Vilho Rättö

Vilho Rättö (10 March 1913 – 21 January 2002) was a Finnish soldier, a Knight of the Mannerheim Cross and,[1] in civilian life, a driver and an industrial worker.

Vilho Rättö
Knights of the Mannerheim Cross, from left to right: Captain Eero Kivelä (fi), Major General Aaro Pajari, Captain Juho Pössi (fi), Corporal Vilho Rättö
Born(1913-03-10)10 March 1913
Kanneljärvi, Grand Duchy of Finland, Russian Empire
Died21 January 2002(2002-01-21) (aged 88)
Anjalankoski, Finland
AllegianceFinland
Service/branchFinnish Army
Years of service1939–1968
RankStaff Sergeant
Battles/warsWinter War
Continuation War
AwardsKnight of the Mannerheim Cross
Medal of Liberty, 1st Class

Private Rättö was the fourth Knight of the Mannerheim Cross, and the first private to be awarded the high decoration. Then, he was an anti-tank gun gunner in (infantry regiment) JR 27 (fi). The stated reason for this award was the capture of an enemy anti-tank gun and destroying four enemy tanks with it, as well as his valiant actions and resourcefulness in the battle.

Later, he was promoted to the rank of ylikersantti (staff sergeant) in the reserve.

References

  1. Rättö Vilho, Mannerheim-ristin ritarit
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