Rank Major general Service/branch Finnish Army | Name Aaro Pajari Allegiance Finland | |
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Born 17 July 1897
Asikkala, Finland ( 1897-07-17 ) Awards Mannerheim Cross of Liberty (Twice) Died October 14, 1949, Kokkola, Finland Similar People Hjalmar Siilasvuo, Ruben Lagus, Lothar Rendulic, August Krakau | ||
Battles/wars Battle of Tolvajarvi Battles and wars Battle of Tolvajarvi | ||
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.
