Finnish Forces

Fighter ace Lieutenant Saarinen

Lieutenant Jorma "Jotte" Saarinen (1918-1944). Served in No. 24 Squadron of Finnish Air Force in 1942-1944, and during his 139 combat missions downed five enemies with Brewster B-239 and eighteen with Messerschmitt Bf 109 G. He claimed his first aerial victory on April 16, 1943, over LaGG-3, and last victory on July 18, 1944, over La-5. Lieutenant Saarinen became the squadron's last pilot killed in action on the same day, when attempting forced landing with his damaged plane. Before his death he had earned himself 3rd and 4th class Cross of Liberty. Victories 1943: 3 x LaGG-3, Il-2, La-5 1944: 6 x La-5, 3 x P-39, 6 x Il-2, LaGG-3, 2 x Yak-9