Finnish Forces

Jaeger knight

Aarre Voutilainen (1919-2000) Knight of the Mannerheim Cross #36. Served in JP 2 (Jaeger battalion) 1941-1944, first as squad leader then as platoon second-in-command and finally as platoon leader. Citation for his 2nd class Mannerheim Cross mentions that he voluntarily led several patrols within 3 days bringing valuable information about the enemy, and later in battle of Enemajoki river he was first who rushed across a bridge under heavy fire, led his squad to good positions and personally killed dozens of enemy soldiers, making it easier for others to cross the bridge. He later also made several patrols behind enemy lines and brought information which made his company's advance much more easy. In addition to his combat merits, Voutilainen saved his company commander and two of his comrades from certain death when Soviets blew up a dam and flooded the area of Poventsa in December 1941. He swam 3 times through the icy water and rescued each of them while they already suffered from hypothermia. Temperature that day was -30 degree Celsius. He was wounded 3 times during the war: September 7, 1941 at Enemajoki, January 7, 1942 at Suurniemi and June 15, 1944 at Kuuterselkä. Voutilainen is only non-officer who was also presented to be awarded with the 1st class Mannerheim Cross.