During World War II, Finland encountered an unexpected dilemma. Initially neutral, the nation’s position changed with the onset of the Winter War, triggered by Soviet Union aggression. Lauri Törni, a courageous young Finnish soldier, displayed extraordinary bravery in combat, embarking on a path that would ultimately see him serve in the armed forces of three different countries.
Lauri Törni’s early life and upbringing
Lauri Allan Törni was born in Viipuri, Finland, in May 1919, to a father employed as a ship captain and a mother who devoted herself to homemaking. Demonstrating exceptional talent from an early age, he excelled academically and in sports. After graduating from business school and serving with the White Guard in 1938, he joined the Finnish military.
In November 1939, Finland became involved in what would later be recognized as the Winter War against Russia. Despite facing superior numbers, the Finnish military displayed remarkable resilience and skill, with Törni bravely serving on the front lines alongside Jäeger Battalion 4.
Throughout the conflict, Törni’s battalion achieved significant victories against Russian divisions, leading to his selection for officer training and subsequent commissioning as a Vänrikki (second lieutenant) in the Finnish military reserves.
Continuation War
Because of his remarkable abilities, Lauri Törni was sent to Austria for specialized training with the Waffen-SS. In the summer of 1941, he spent seven weeks with the combat unit before returning to Finland as a commissioned officer. The Germans elevated Törni to the rank of Untersturmführer (junior storm leader), marking a major career milestone.
When hostilities between Finland and Russia resumed during the Continuation War of 1941-44, Törni commanded a unit known as Detachment Törni. This unit excelled at penetrating enemy defenses, presenting a substantial threat to the Russian forces. Their accomplishments were so impressive that Russia placed a bounty of 3,000,000 Finnish marks on Törni’s capture.
Lauri Törni’s continued service
The Continuation War ended in September 1944 with the Moscow Armistice. Following this, the Finnish Army was demobilized and Lauri Törni was left unemployed and worried the Russians would make another attempt to invade Finland.
The soldier joined the pro-German resistance movement in Finland, hoping to be prepared for future conflicts with Russia. He attended saboteur training in Germany, after which he joined a German unit fighting the Red Army near Schwerin. He fought with the Wehrmacht until mid-1945, when he surrendered to the British Army and was sent to a prisoner of war camp. The soldier later escaped and returned to Finland.
Lauri Törni makes it to America
In 1946, Törni was apprehended and put on trial for enlisting in the German Army. He was found guilty and sentenced to six years in prison. Nonetheless, two years later, Finnish President Juho Kusti Paasikivi issued a pardon for him.
After his release, the decorated soldier relocated to Sweden. There, Törni fell in love and became engaged. Before his wedding, he intended to pursue a career on Swedish ships.
In 1950, he leaped off one of the vessels near Mobile, Alabama. He eventually arrived at Sunset Park in Brooklyn, New York, which had a community of Finnish immigrants.
Lauri Törni served with the US Army Special Forces
After a few years of working as a carpenter and cleaner, Törni earned permanent residence. In 1954, the Finn joined the US Army and, before long, was training for the Special Forces. Törni trained troops in a number of skills, including guerrilla tactics, survival, skiing and mountaineering. During his time in the US military, he went by the name Larry Thorne.
Between 1958-62, Törni served in West Germany with the 10th Special Forces Group, gaining notoriety for his involvement in a search-and-rescue mission in Iran’s Zagros Mountains. He was then sent to Vietnam with Special Forces Detachment A-734. He was involved in a number of fire fights early on. For his bravery during a fierce battle in the Tịnh Biên District, Törni was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star.
Lauri Törni’s death and legacy
Törni returned to Vietnam for a second tour, this time with the 5th Special Forces Group. Before long, he was transferred to Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG), with whom he served as an advisor.
During a mission in October 1965, as part of Operation Shining Brass, the Sikorsky CH-34 “Choctaw” helicopter he was flying in went missing. Rescue crews were unable to locate the site of the crash. Following the incident, Törni was awarded the Legion of Merit and Distinguished Flying Cross. He was also promoted to the rank of major.
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The bodies Törni and those of his fellow soldiers weren’t discovered until 1999. Their bodies were flown back the US and interred at Arlington National Cemetery. Törni, who was formally identified four years later, is the only known former member of the SS to be buried at the hallowed site.
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