Early Life And Finnish Military Service

Lauri Allan Törni: A Soldier Under Three Flags

Early Life and Finnish Military Service

Lauri Allan Törni was born on May 28, 1919, in Viipuri, Finland. He joined the Finnish Army in 1938 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a captain by the outbreak of the Winter War in 1939. He led an infantry company with distinction during the war, earning several awards for his bravery.

World War II

When Nazi Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, Finland allied with the Germans. Törni volunteered for the SS Wiking Division, a unit composed of non-German volunteers from across Europe. He fought on the Eastern Front, earning the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross for his actions.

American Military Service

After the war, Törni immigrated to the United States, where he became an American citizen and adopted the name Larry Thorne. He joined the U.S. Army and fought in the Korean War, where he earned the Distinguished Service Cross and the Silver Star. He later served in the Vietnam War, where he was killed in action in 1965.

A Legacy of Valor and Controversy

Lauri Allan Törni's military career was marked by both heroism and controversy. His service in the SS during World War II has raised questions about his political beliefs, while his bravery and leadership in the American army have earned him widespread admiration. His legacy remains a complex and fascinating one, a testament to the human capacity for both good and evil.