Finnish Forces

One eyed warrior

U. Laukka /SA-kuva 107348

Second Lieutenant Toivo Korte (1911-1965) at Kiestinki area, 6 September 1942. This man was called to service and fought in all 3 wars of Finland during WWII, despite the fact that his other eye was completely blinded in an accident. He somewhat proved his value already during the Winter War by taking out 5 tanks with Molotov cocktails at Mannerheim Line. He later became famed platoon leader and was awarded the Mannerheim Cross 8 September 1942 after he had completed 131 missions behind enemy lines with his trusted jaeger platoon. During his wartime service Korte was also awarded 5 decorations from the Order of the Cross of Liberty, all of which he undoubtedly earned as he was wounded twice during the Winter War, once in early 1944 and twice at Ihantala in July 1944. After the wars he went to Border Guard service in 1945, retired as Senior Lieutenant in 1960 and worked as groundskeeper before he died of cancer 10 August 1965.