Finland Finnish Volunteer Battalion, Waffen-SS

[Old Braggs]

Oiva Vaito Valentin Heikanen was born in Paattinen in 1921 and enlisted at Turku. He joined the Finnish Volunteer Battalion of the Waffen-SS to continue the fight against the Soviets, who had attacked Finland in the Winter War.

After service on the East Front, the Battalion returned to Finland and the men rejoined the Finnish Army. Heikanen served with 9th Company, 52nd J?egers and was wounded at Ontajoki 26th June 1944.

He died in Espoo in 1991.

His medals are the Medal of Liberty 2nd class, Winter War Medal, Continuation War Medal, Blue Cross (Reservists), 14th Division Cross (with Ruk?jarvi clasp), Finnish SS-Volunteers Cross, East Front Medal, Iron Cross (2nd class).

Steve

[Old Braggs]

Copy of the award document for the Finnish-SS Volunteers Cross. The document and cross are numbered.

[Old Braggs]

The sleeve badge of the Finnish Volunteers

[Old Braggs]

The first page of Heikanen's service book,

[Old Braggs]

Includes his service with the Finnish volunteers. The battalion was raised by the Finnish Government and only allowed to serve against the Soviets.

[Old Braggs]

service on returning to Finland

Edited April 29, 2006 by Old Braggs

[Old Braggs]

The man himself

[Hendrik]

Hello Steve,

A extraordinary complete and very rare group ! Many thanks for posting it for our viewing

Cheers,

Hendrik