Finnish American Legion
| Finnish American Legion | |
|---|---|
| Amerikan Suomalainen Legioona | |
 Badge | |
| Active | 9 December 1939 – 27 June 1940 |
| Allegiance |  Finland |
| Type | Foreign volunteer |
| Size | 378 men |
| Engagements | Winter War |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Captain Albert Penttilä |
The Finnish American Legion (Finnish: Amerikan Suomalainen Legioona) was a foreign volunteer unit that volunteered to fight for Finland during the Winter War. It included volunteers from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands.
History
[edit]On 9 December 1939, 54 men and five women traveled from New York to Finland as volunteers for the Winter War.[1] They arrived in Tornio on 24 December 1939.[2] The volunteers were under the command of Lieutenant Albert Penttilä. During the war, 250 volunteers from Canada also joined them.[3]
On 22 February 1940, the unit was officially designated as the "Finnish American Legion".[4]
References
[edit]- ^ https://www.paivanlehti.fi/muukalaislegioona-meksiko-ja-usa-kuolleeksi-julistetun-jaakarin-varikas-tie-talvisotaan/
- ^ Talvisodan historia osa 4.
- ^ "History of Finland-Canada Relations". 2012. Retrieved 10 June 2025.
- ^ Kansallisarkisto SPK 3312. Simo, Tauno 1944. Amerikan Suomalaisen Legioonan historiikki (digitoitu asiakirja).