Toivo Tomminen (1917-1941) 6 ½ victories in 50 sorties.

He flew Morane-Saulnier M.S.406 in No. 28 Squadron of the Finnish Air Force in 1941. His first claim was SB-2 on July 14, 1941, after which he later downed two I-153 fighters (other one shared), two I-16 fighters, Polikarpov R-Z reconnaissance bomber aircraft, and Hurricane fighter. He was killed in collision with enemy fighter on December 4, 1941, during the same fight where he claimed the Hurricane. Before his death Sergeant Tomminen was awarded with 1st and 2nd class Medal of Liberty.

Morane-Saulnier ace

Eero Halonen, 16 aerial victories in 81 sorties.

Served in No. 24 Squadron of Finnish Air Force in 1943-1944, and scored his victories in June and July of 1944, flying Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-2. He was awarded Cross of Liberty 4th class, and Medal of Liberty 1st class and 2nd class.

Claims:
9.6.1944: 2 x La-5
14.6.1944: P-39
20.6.44: Yak-1, LaGG-3, La-5, Pe-2
21.6.1944: P-39
23.6.1944: La-5
26.6.1944: 2 x Il-2
29.6.1944: Yak-9
1.7.1944: La-5
5.7.1944: LaGG-3
9.7.1944: Yak-9
15.7.1944: Il-2

Fighter ace

December 7, 1939 to January 8, 1940
The Battle of Suomussalmi was the decisive battle of the Winter War between Finland and the Soviet Union. Despite being heavily outnumbered in men and material, the Finns were able to stop the advance into their country by using their mobility and exploiting the Russians reliance on the few roads in the heavily forested terrain. The Finnish Army was also much better equipped to fight in the grueling winter conditions, while Russian equipment routinely froze in the cold, as did their under clothed soldiers.

The Soviet failure to successfully invade Finland heavily influenced Hitler’s decision to go ahead with Operation Barbarossa.

