The Deadliest Marksman’s Cold, Brave Stand

[Dr. Evil]

The Deadliest Marksman’s Cold, Brave Stand

Eighty years ago this winter, a freezing Finnish farm boy took aim at the unstoppable Red Army — and became the greatest sharpshooter the world has ever seen.

getpocket.com

 

[tony]

Great story.

Makes me think of all the American marksmen throughout our history that came from a rural life where a firearm was a survival tool and excelled on the battlefield.

 

[C3D]

I’m reading this book right now:

A great book, I am about 1/3 through. It’s a conflict that most don’t know existed.

 

[holdover]

I cant imagine how many Simo Häyhä 's are in the US today.

 

[JohnD13]

I’m reading this book right now:

A great book, I am about 1/3 through. It’s a conflict that most don’t know existed.

That is a great book, just finished it.

 

[spat]

I cant imagine how many Simo Häyhä 's are in the US today.

I fear the answer is "not enough".

 

[C3D]

That is a great book, just finished it.

I only got halfway through before I got distracted by this:



This book is awesome. I will get back to winter war once I am able to put down Shattered Sword.

 

[Mosinitis]

Most people in the U.S. believe Winter War ended with Finland's victory. In fact Finland lost the war, lost 11% of its territory and 30% of its industrial base.
If it wasn't for Soviet victory in Winter War, Leningrad would have been within German artillery range from the start of WWII and would never be able to withstand the siege.
Finland fought in WWII as ally of Nazi Germany. Simo volunteered to fight in that war but was rejected, because of the severe injury to his face inflicted by a Russian sniper. One less Euro-Nazi to fight for the axis. Fuck him.

 

[tirwin1]

I’m reading this book right now:

A great book, I am about 1/3 through. It’s a conflict that most don’t know existed.

I was such a world war 2 nerd that I did a report on this war in high school over 40 years ago. The Finns really kicked the soviet's asses until sheer weight of numbers prevailed. The commie army was at it's low point after stalin's purges removed almost every competent officer and made the political commissars the real leadership.

 

[tirwin1]

Most people in the U.S. believe Winter War ended with Finland's victory. In fact Finland lost the war, lost 11% of its territory and 30% of its industrial base.
If it wasn't for Soviet victory in Winter War, Leningrad would have been within German artillery range from the start of WWII and would never be able to withstand the siege.
Finland fought in WWII as ally of Nazi Germany. Simo volunteered to fight in that war but was rejected, because of the severe injury to his face inflicted by a Russian sniper. One less Euro-Nazi to fight for the axis. Fuck him.

Finland was an ally of the Germans only after the winter war. In fact the Finns didn't want any assistance from Germany prior to the start of the war and tried to stay out of the struggle between the two.

 

[Mosinitis]

I was such a world war 2 nerd that I did a report on this war in high school over 40 years ago. The Finns really kicked the soviet's asses until sheer weight of numbers prevailed. The commie army was at it's low point after stalin's purges removed almost every competent officer and made the political commissars the real leadership.

After initial large losses by the Red Army, Soviets reevaluated their strategy and brought in heavy artillery to pound the crap out of Mannerheim defense line. After that it was a cake walk. There were plenty of capable generals in the Red Army despite Stalin's purges, Soviet high command underestimated the strength of Mannerheim line and their initial assault was made only by the local Leningrad garrison.

 

[Mosinitis]

Finland was an ally of the Germans only after the winter war. In fact the Finns didn't want any assistance from Germany prior to the start of the war and tried to stay out of the struggle between the two.

Germany had a long history of friendship and military aid for Finland. German troops participated in Finnish Civil War.
As the threat of German aggression kept growing, Soviets realized that two of their major cities, Leningrad and Murmansk were within artillery range from behind Finnish border. Finland was asked to move the border 11 miles on a narrow stretch of land and were to be compensated with bigger parcel of land in a different area. Finland refused and lost a lot more in the end. Finland already received plenty of military aid from Germany in the past.

 

[Mosinitis]

Hitler visiting Finland in 1942

 

[holdover]

I fear the answer is "not enough".

Ohhhh, I disagree, Not as many in the east, but out west It would be common.