Vilho Rättö Explained

Vilho Rättö
Birth Date:10 March 1913
Birth Place:Kanneljärvi, Grand Duchy of Finland, Russian Empire
Death Place:Anjalankoski, Finland
Allegiance:Finland
Branch:Finnish Army
Serviceyears:1939–1968
Rank:Staff Sergeant
Battles:Winter War
Continuation War
Awards:Knight of the Mannerheim Cross
Medal of Liberty, 1st Class

Vilho Rättö (10 March 1913 – 21 January 2002) was a Finnish soldier, a Knight of the Mannerheim Cross and,[1] in civilian life, a driver and an industrial worker.

Private Rättö was the fourth Knight of the Mannerheim Cross, and the first private to be awarded the high decoration. Then, he was an anti-tank gun gunner in (infantry regiment) JR 27 (fi). The stated reason for this award was the capture of an enemy anti-tank gun and destroying four enemy tanks with it, as well as his valiant actions and resourcefulness in the battle.

Later, he was promoted to the rank of ylikersantti (staff sergeant) in the reserve.

Notes and References

  1. http://www.mannerheim-ristinritarit.fi/ritarit?xmid=136 Rättö Vilho