Finnish Forces

Pvt. Törmälehto

http://www.mannerheim-ristinritarit.fi/ritarit?xmid=168

Taavi Törmälehto (1922-2007), Knight of the Mannerheim Cross #41. He fought already in the Winter War, serving as rifleman and combat messenger in JP 4 (4th Jaeger Battalion) during motti battles of Lemetti (January-March 1940), in Ladoga Karelia. In Continuation War he served in the same unit as submachinegunner in 1941-42, and fought from Ladoga Karelia to Svir river, Petroskoi and Karhumäki. In 1942 he briefly served in JR 32 (32nd Infantry regiment) of 3rd Division stationed at Uhtua in White Karelia, and during the same year he was moved to JR 11 of the same division, where he would later become squad leader and temporarily serve even as platoon leader. The regiment was moved from Uhtua to Karelian Isthmus in June 1944 and after fighting delaying battles from VT-line to VKT-line, he took part in the decisive battles of Tali-Ihantala and Äyräpää-Vuosalmi. In Lapland War he fought in the Battle of Tornio, where JR 11 landed as the first attack wave on October 1, 1944. Corporal Törmälehto also participated in capture of Rovaniemi and was demobilized on November 19, 1944, during the unit's advance to northernmost parts of Finland. Already early in WWII he became known as persistent, fearless soldier and stubborn daredevil. Törmälehto was wounded three times in 1941 (Rajakontu, Aunus, Karhumäki) and once in 1943 (Uhtua). During the wars he earned himself 4th class Cross of Liberty, 1st & 2nd class Medal of Liberty, and the Mannerheim Cross (2nd class) which was awarded to him on November 19, 1941. The Mannerheim Cross citation mentions that in July 1941 he single-handedly held off attacking enemy platoon while covering evacuation of wounded, captured enemy anti-tank gun alone and brought valuable information about enemy activity, cleared countless enemy defense emplacements with hand grenades and submachinegun, and destroyed two threatening machinegun nests in September, during attack on Svir river's powerplant. He also volunteered to a small patrol which picked up body of their fallen company commander from between the lines at night. Promotions: Korpraali (Lance Corporal) - December 25, 1942 Alikersantti (Corporal) - July 4, 1944