Lieutenant Olli Aulanko and unknown staff sergeant waiting for transportation to field hospital. Kuuterselkä, Karelian Isthmus, June 14, 1944.

Wounded assault gun commander

Finnish soldiers in a trench sometime during the first days of Winter War.

Trench

Olli Aulanko (1921, Helsinki - 1964, Valkeakoski), Knight of the Mannerheim Cross #133.

Aulanko was member of Suojeluskunta (Civil Guard) from 1933, and started his service in Finnish Army in 1940. He served as gunner in 24th Gun Company (anti-tank unit) in 1941 and went to officer school in 1941-42. Before being appointed as platoon leader to the assault gun battalion, he served as forward observer and platoon leader in 13th Light Artillery Battalion in 1942–43.

Lieutenant Aulanko was awarded the Mannerheim Cross (2nd class) on June 26, 1944, for his great leadership in Battle of Kuuterselkä on June 14, where also his assault gun destroyed two heavy tanks and one heavy assault gun. His assault gun was hit and he continued to lead the platoon on foot, and fought until he was wounded to his face and hand. He returned to the front before the end of the war.

Promotions:
Vänrikki (Second Lieutenant) - November 7, 1941
Luutnantti (First Lieutenant) - December 21, 1943
Yliluutnantti (Senior Lieutenant) - July 20, 1953