Aaro Pajari | |
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Aaro Pajari
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Born |
Asikkala, Finland |
17 July 1897
Died | 14 October 1949 Kokkola, Finland |
(aged 52)
Buried | Kalevankangas Cemetery |
Allegiance | Finland |
Service/branch | Finnish Army |
Years of service | 1917–1949 |
Rank | Major General |
Battles/wars |
World War II Continuation War Lapland War |
Awards | Mannerheim Cross of Liberty (Twice) |
Aaro Olavi Pajari (17 July 1897 – 14 October 1949) was a Major General in the Finnish Army. During World War II, he received the Mannerheim Cross of Liberty twice. Aaro Pajari is regarded as one of the bravest and most courageous men of the Finnish army in World War II. His tactical greatness, as well as his manner of leading from the front made him a great leader and led to great devotion and motivation from the troops under his command.
His greatest achievement was the Finnish victory at the Battle of Tolvajärvi in the Winter War, where his small Finnish force smashed a far larger Soviet army. Pajari went on to serve brilliantly throughout the Winter, Continuation, and Lapland wars, becoming famous for his success in leading small unit, and guerrilla style operations.