Finnish soldier with anti-tank mines. 1941-1944

Anti-tank mines

Timo "Jukka" Puustinen (1909-1962), Knight of the Mannerheim Cross #117.

Puustinen was member of Suojeluskunta (Civil Guard) from 1928 to 1931, when he started his service in Finnish Army. He served as intructor lieutenant in training center of Niinisalo throughout the Winter War, and was promoted to Captain later in September 1940. In Continuation War (1941-44) he first led company and later battalion in 10th Infantry Regiment of 14th Division, at Rukajärvi front.

In January 1942, Captain Puustinen took part in Major Arnold Majewski's raid to Mai-Guba, at Murmansk railway, 100 kilometers behind enemy lines. It was the largest long range patrol and consisted of 1600 men and 250 horses (for carrying supplies).

He was promoted to Major in November 1942, after Majewski's death, and later on March 16, 1943, he led patrol of 600 men who raided large supply depot of Jeljärvi, 50km behind enemy lines at Rukäjärvi front. They attacked on skis in broad daylight, and destroyed some 30 buildings including ammunition storages, stables, hay storages, petrol storage and vehicle repair shop. They also destroyed two bridges, railway station, railroad switches, two railway bridges, five trucks, tractor and twenty horses. Over 200 enemies were killed and possibly same amount were wounded. Thirty of his men were killed, most of them during return trip, and six were wounded.

Major Puustinen was awarded the Mannerheim Cross (II class) on August 1, 1943, for the successful patrols and his actions during offence phase of the war in 1941.

Major Puustinen

John Valter Nordgren (1899, Viipuri - 1968, Helsinki), Knight of the Mannerheim Cross #60.

John volunteered to take part in capture of Helsinki during the Finnish Civil War of 1918 and served in army ever since. He worked in Finnish Army HQ at Mikkeli during the Winter War and commanded 4th Infantry Regiment of 8th Division in Continuation War. He then led Jäger Brigade in Lapland War until demobilization. Colonel Nordgren retired from active service in July 1946.

Nordgren proved to be skillful commander when he led his men fast in attack operations of 1941, and in several cases conducted swift flanking manouvers through most difficult roadless areas, cutting enemy supply routes and prevented enemy from getting reinforcements, this way crucially effecting result of many battles. The Mannerheim Cross (2nd class) was awarded to him on May 15, 1942.

Other decorations:
Cross of Liberty 1st, 2nd & 3rd class with swords
Iron Cross 2nd class

Promotions:
Vänrikki (Second Lieutenant) - March 31, 1920
Luutnantti (First Lieutenant) - December 6, 1920
Kapteeni (Captain) - December 6, 1926
Majuri (Major) - December 6, 1933
Everstiluutnantti (Lieutenant Colonel) - April 4, 1940
Eversti (Colonel) - August 6, 1942