Bio
Started the pilot career in 1938 by volunteering to join a pilot training course. I was a reserve officer in the Winter War 1939-1940 but did not fly due to a lack of available planes. I had now decided to enter into a military career, and finished training as a Lieutenant on 17 June 1941. Transferring to LeLv24 in August 1941, with which I participated in the Continuation War.
I flew a Brewster B239 from 1941–1943 claiming 39 of his victories in the type. On 22 September 1941 I was credited my first kill, a I-15.
In August 1942 the squadron was transferred to Römpötti to operate over the eastern Gulf of Finland. On 14 August 1942 I shot down two Hurricanes, and four days later a Hurricane and two I-16s. At the end of 1942 my score stood at 14.5 claims.
On 5 April 1943 I shot down three Il-2s, on 14 April I claimed 2 Spitfires, and on 21 April two Yak-1s.
I was awarded my first Mannerheim Cross on 31 July 1943 and my second on 28 June 1944.
I was promoted to Captain on 19 October 1943 when 24 years