The Soldier who fought in 3 Armies

Simple History
8 Mar 201914:25
EducationalLearning
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TLDRLauri Törni, born in Finland in 1919, was a decorated soldier who served in multiple conflicts and armies. He began his military career in the Finnish 4th Independent Jaeger Infantry Battalion, fighting in the Winter War against the Soviet Union. After Finland's defeat, he trained with the Waffen-SS and later commanded an armored unit in the Continuation War. Törni earned the Mannerheim Cross for bravery and became a Finnish Resistance member, eventually joining the German Army under the alias "Lauri Laine." Following World War II, he escaped to Sweden and then to the U.S., where he joined the U.S. Army as "Larry Thorne." He served in the 10th Special Forces Group, earned the Purple Heart and Bronze Star in Vietnam, and was killed in action while commanding a secret mission. Törni's remains were discovered over 30 years later and reburied with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery in 2003.

Takeaways
  • 🇫🇮 Lauri Törni, originally from Finland, was a highly decorated soldier who served in multiple armies and fought in several wars, including World War II and the Vietnam War.
  • ✈️ On October 18, 1965, Captain Larry Thorne (Lauri Törni) was leading a top-secret mission in South Vietnam when his helicopter crashed, resulting in his death.
  • 🔍 The crash site remained undiscovered for over 30 years, highlighting the challenges of search and rescue operations in mountainous terrain.
  • 🏆 Thorne's military accolades include the German Iron Cross 2nd Class, the American Legion of Merit, and the Finnish Mannerheim Cross, showcasing his bravery and leadership.
  • 🎖 Törni's military career began with the Finnish 4th Independent Jaeger Infantry Battalion, an elite unit specializing in sabotage, guerrilla warfare, and long-range reconnaissance.
  • 🇫🇮 Finland's strategic position and history of conflict with the Soviet Union shaped Törni's early military experiences, particularly during the Winter War.
  • 🤝 Törni's service in the German Waffen-SS during World War II was marked by a pledge of loyalty, which later caused political complications.
  • 🚫 Despite numerous victories, Finland was ultimately forced to cede territory and pay reparations to the Soviet Union after the Continuation War.
  • 🔁 Törni's complex allegiances led to his imprisonment and multiple escape attempts, reflecting the tumultuous nature of his life and the times.
  • 🇺🇸 After escaping to the United States, Törni adopted the name Larry Thorne, joined the US Army, and continued to serve with distinction, achieving rapid promotion.
  • 📚 The story of Larry Thorne/Lauri Törni is an example of the multifaceted experiences of individuals caught up in the global conflicts of the 20th century, as well as the personal sacrifices made by military personnel.
Q & A

  • What date did the South Vietnam Air Force H-34 helicopter crash?

    -The South Vietnam Air Force H-34 helicopter crashed on October 18th, 1965.

  • Why was the H-34 helicopter not well suited for frontline combat duty?

    -The H-34 helicopter was not well suited for frontline combat duty due to its low speed, large silhouette, and magnesium skin which was prone to intense and deadly fires if hit.

  • Who was Captain Larry Thorne in his original identity?

    -Captain Larry Thorne was originally Lauri Törni, born in Viipuri, Finland.

  • In which war did Lauri Törni serve as a commander in the German Waffen-SS?

    -Lauri Törni served as a commander in the German Waffen-SS during World War II.

  • What significant event happened in Finland just two years before Lauri Törni's birth?

    -The Russian Empire collapsed, allowing Finland to emerge as a new independent nation.

  • How did Lauri Törni's hometown find itself in relation to the Soviet Union?

    -Lauri Törni's hometown found itself on the very border with the Soviet Union.

  • What type of unit was Lauri Törni a part of when he joined the Finnish military at the age of 19?

    -Lauri Törni joined the Finnish 4th Independent Jaeger Infantry Battalion, a Sissi unit expert at sabotage, guerrilla warfare, and long-range reconnaissance.

  • What was the name of the conflict that started in 1939 between Finland and the Soviet Union?

    -The conflict that started in 1939 between Finland and the Soviet Union was called the Winter War.

  • What was the name of the military operation launched by the Germans in June 1941?

    -The military operation launched by the Germans in June 1941 was called 'Operation Barbarossa'.

  • What was the name of the deep strike infantry unit that Lauri Törni commanded during the Continuation War?

    -Lauri Törni commanded a deep strike infantry unit that later became known as 'Lauri's Raiders'.

  • Why did Lauri Törni join the US Army under the name 'Larry Thorne'?

    -Lauri Törni joined the US Army under the name 'Larry Thorne' after being granted a residence visa in the United States and seeking a new life.

  • How was Larry Thorne's remains finally honored after being discovered?

    -Larry Thorne's remains were brought back to America in 2003, and he was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Outlines
00:00
🇫🇮 The Life and Military Career of Lauri Törni

This paragraph details the life of Lauri Törni, later known as Larry Thorne, a decorated soldier who served in multiple armies. Born in Finland in 1919, he joined the Finnish military at 19 and fought in the Winter War against the Soviet Union. Törni's skills in guerrilla warfare and leadership earned him recognition, and he was promoted to Second Lieutenant. Despite Finland's loss, he later trained with the Waffen-SS during World War II and was given a German rank. His service included command of an armored unit and a deep strike infantry unit, leading daring missions behind enemy lines. Törni's actions throughout the war earned him the Mannerheim Cross, one of Finland's highest military honors. However, with the end of the war, he faced a period of uncertainty and transition.

05:02
🇩🇪 Törni's Continuation War and Post-War Struggles

Following the Winter War, Törni's hometown and the Lake Ladoga region came under Soviet control. He was involved in the Continuation War, where he led an armored unit and later an elite infantry unit known as 'Lauri's Raiders.' The unit was known for their bravery and effectiveness, conducting sabotage and intelligence missions deep in Soviet territory. Despite the Finnish Army's demobilization, Törni joined the Finnish Resistance and later the German Army under the alias 'Lauri Laine.' He fought against the Soviets with the same tactics he had used in Finland. After the German defeat, Törni and his men surrendered to the British, avoiding capture by the Soviets. He was later imprisoned in a POW camp but managed to escape and return to Finland, only to be arrested and tried for treason. After serving time in prison, Törni fled to Sweden and eventually made his way to the United States.

10:03
🏺 Larry Thorne's Service in the US Military and Legacy

In the United States, Törni adopted the name Larry Thorne and joined the US Army, where his previous military experience led to rapid promotion. He served in various capacities, including teaching survival skills and guerrilla tactics. Thorne was sent on missions to Iran and South Vietnam, where he was instrumental in the formation of local defense units and participated in significant combat operations. He was awarded multiple honors for his service, including two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. Thorne's second tour in Vietnam ended tragically when his helicopter crashed, leading to his death. His remains were undiscovered until over 30 years later. Posthumously, Thorne was promoted to Major and his name is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. In 2003, his remains were repatriated to the United States with full military honors and buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡H-34 Helicopter
The H-34 Helicopter was a large, slow-moving aircraft used by the South Vietnam Air Force. In the video, it is described as an 'outdated workhorse' that was not well-suited for frontline combat due to its low speed and large silhouette. The script narrates a tragic incident where an H-34 helicopter crashed in the mountains of Vietnam, leading to the loss of Captain Larry Thorne and his crew.
💡Captain Larry Thorne
Captain Larry Thorne, originally named Lauri Törni, was a highly decorated soldier who served in multiple military roles throughout his life. The video details his various military engagements and his eventual death in a helicopter crash during a mission in Vietnam. His story is central to the video's narrative, illustrating the life of a complex and multifaceted military figure.
💡Winter War
The Winter War refers to the conflict between Finland and the Soviet Union that began in 1939. It is significant in the video as it marks the start of Lauri Törni's military career and showcases his early acts of heroism. The Finnish forces, including Törni's battalion, are depicted as having successfully defended against the ill-prepared Soviet forces despite being outnumbered.
💡Waffen-SS
The Waffen-SS was the military branch of the SS, the paramilitary organization under Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party. Lauri Törni trained with the Waffen-SS in Austria, which is mentioned in the video as a point of controversy that would later haunt him. This keyword is pivotal as it ties into Törni's complex history and the political implications of his actions.
💡Continuation War
The Continuation War was the conflict that began in 1941 when Finland, alongside Nazi Germany, attacked the Soviet Union. Lauri Törni played a significant role in this war, leading an armoured unit and later a deep strike infantry unit known as 'Lauri's Raiders.' The video highlights his leadership and the reputation he gained during this period.
💡Mannerheim Cross
The Mannerheim Cross is the highest military honor in Finland, awarded for personal valor and bravery in the face of the enemy. Lauri Törni was awarded this prestigious honor for his actions during the Continuation War, as detailed in the video. It symbolizes the recognition of his outstanding leadership and bravery.
💡Prisoner of War
The term 'Prisoner of War' is used in the video to describe Lauri Törni's status after his surrender to the British at the end of World War II. It highlights a significant turning point in his life, where he managed to avoid capture by the Soviets and instead ended up in a POW camp in Germany, which he later escaped from.
💡Vietnam War
The Vietnam War is the context for the final chapter of Larry Thorne's life as detailed in the video. He served as a US Military advisor and was in command of a top-secret Special Forces Unit called MACV-SOG during his second tour of duty. His involvement in the Vietnam War culminated in his death during a mission, which is a central event in the video's narrative.
💡Special Forces
Special Forces, specifically the 10th Special Forces Group and MACV-SOG, are highlighted in the video as the elite units in which Larry Thorne served. His leadership and expertise in guerrilla tactics, survival, and skiing made him a valuable asset to these units. The video emphasizes his role in training and commanding these specialized troops.
💡Purple Hearts
Purple Hearts are US military decorations awarded to those who have been wounded or killed while serving. Larry Thorne was awarded two Purple Hearts for his injuries sustained during a particularly fierce firefight in South Vietnam, as mentioned in the video. This keyword underscores the personal sacrifices and bravery demonstrated by Thorne in combat.
💡Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place of Larry Thorne, as described in the video. His remains were repatriated to the United States in 2003 and he was buried with full military honors, signifying the respect and recognition given to him for his service. This keyword is significant as it marks the end of Thorne's journey and the recognition of his contributions to his country.
Highlights

On October 18, 1965, a South Vietnam Air Force H-34 helicopter crashed in the Phước Sơn District of Vietnam, killing American officer Captain Larry Thorne and his team.

The H-34 was an outdated helicopter prone to intense fires if hit, making it unsuitable for frontline combat.

The crash site remained undiscovered for over 30 years.

Captain Larry Thorne was a highly decorated soldier, having served in World War II and held ranks in the German Waffen-SS and Finnish Army.

Larry Thorne was born Lauri Törni in Finland in 1919, and his hometown was on the border with the Soviet Union.

Lauri joined the Finnish 4th Independent Jaeger Infantry Battalion at age 19, an elite unit skilled in sabotage, guerrilla warfare and reconnaissance.

During the 1939 Winter War, Lauri's battalion defended the strategically important Leningrad-Kirov railroad line and Lake Ladoga from the Soviets.

Lauri displayed great bravery and leadership during the Winter War, being promoted to Second Lieutenant.

Despite Finland's defeat, the Winter War was a pyrrhic victory for the Soviets, with staggering casualties.

In 1941, Lauri trained with the Waffen-SS in Austria, gaining specialist skills and wearing their uniform.

During the Continuation War, Lauri commanded an armoured unit and later a deep strike infantry unit that conducted sabotage and intelligence missions behind Soviet lines.

Lauri's unit gained a fearsome reputation, with the Soviets putting a bounty on his head.

For his bravery during the Continuation War, Lauri was awarded the prestigious Mannerheim Cross in 1944.

After the war, Lauri joined the Finnish Resistance and later the German Army, fighting against the Soviets.

Lauri was captured by the British at the end of the war and imprisoned, but escaped and made his way back to Finland.

In 1946, Lauri was arrested, tried for treason, and sentenced to six years in prison for joining the German army.

Lauri made several failed escape attempts from prison before being pardoned and released in 1948.

After being pardoned, Lauri moved to Sweden, then Venezuela, and eventually jumped ship in the US, adopting the name Larry Thorne.

Larry joined the US Army in 1954 at age 35, his experience and leadership abilities leading to rapid promotion to Captain by 1960.

Larry served in the 10th Special Forces Group, teaching skiing, survival, and guerrilla tactics, and earning two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star in Vietnam.

Larry's heroism during a Việt Cộng attack on his base in South Vietnam is detailed in Robin Moore's book 'The Green Berets'.

Larry was killed in a helicopter crash during his second tour in Vietnam, leading a top-secret MACV-SOG mission.

Larry was posthumously promoted to Major and his remains were repatriated to the US in 2003, being buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

Transcripts

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Lauri TörniSpecial ForcesFinnish SoldierWaffen-SSVietnam WarMilitary HistoryHeroic ActsSoviet UnionWorld War IIElite UnitsGuerrilla Warfare