Finnish soldiers waving their demobilization papers in November 1944.

According to conditions of the Moscow Armistice, Finland had to demobilize it's armed forces to peace time status by December 5, 1944, leaving some 12 000 soldiers (most of them conscripts born in 1924-1925) to complete the mission in Lapland. Particularly this part of Lapland War, became known as the "children's crusade" and "war of youngsters".

It's over

Kaarlo Laitinen (1920-1944), Knight of the Mannerheim Cross #83.

Served in 1st company of 8th Infantry Regiment (1./JR 8) during Continuation War and Lapland War, as combat messenger, squad leader and platoon second-in-command. He was adept user of submachine gun and with countless patrols to enemy side caused significant losses to the enemy together with his patrol. Good example of his actions is when he faced enemy machine gun bunker that was able to control the ground to four directions, and he went straight at one of the bunker loopholes, shot the machinegunner and threw in a satchel charge, destroying the bunker and killing some 20 enemy soldiers crammed inside of it. Sergeant Laitinen was awarded the Mannerheim Cross (2nd class) on August 23, 1942. He was killed in action on October 16, 1944, in village of Juoksenki, at Torne River, during the Lapland War. He was farmer and lumberjack by civilian profession and had a wife and one child.

Other awards: Cross of Liberty 4th class with Swords, Medal of Liberty 1st and 2nd class.

Promotions:
Alikersantti (Corporal) - October 7, 1941.
Kersantti (Sergeant) - January 18, 1942.
Ylikersantti (Staff Sergeant) - December 6, 1943.