Lauri Törni
The Legend of a Leader and a Traitor
Completed 17. June. 2019 - Tram Ngoc Phan Nguyen
Power of Lauri Törni: Exemplary military leader or ruthless traitor? Discuss.
“Only the dead have seen the end of war” (Platon) ​Born in 1919 in Viipuri, Finland to a prosperous
military family, Lauri Allen Törni was no doubt a remarkable figure in the history of warfare. His
military journey began at the dawn of The Winter War between Russia and Finland. Törni’s
uninterrupted military career stretched over the course of 27 years from 1938 to his death in 1965
during the Vietnam war. (Appendix A) Törni was well respected by his comrades from all
campaigns and feared by his enemies, indicating his level of respect and authority. In contrast, the
integrity of Törni’s career has been a source of debate in Finnish history. This stems from his
murky association with German SS-troops during WWII.This investigation will examine the
various perspectives of whether Lauri Törni was an exemplary military leader or a ruthless traitor.
Lauri Törni was widely believed to be a wartime hero whose exploits were justified in his desire to
be considered an honorable leader and to protect his country, this perspective was held by his
colleagues and the general public. Having followed the footsteps of his father, a sea captain of the
Finnish Civil Guard, Lauri Törni served as an army cook after the completion of duty in the civil
guard. The Winter War broke out in 1939 and his exceptional talent aided him to be nominated
for Reserve Officer School. (​Salomaa, M) ​ The specific talents of an officer must be balanced to
help lead their battalion into battle, there was no doubt that these qualities were possessed by
Törni. As a youthful cadet, aged 20, Törni was granted command of a senior Swedish company,
he surprised his superiors by overcoming language and cultural barriers communicating by using
only hand gestures. Throughout the three month defensive campaigns they were known as the
hunters (Jaegers), Törni’s Jaegers (Appendix C) grew in prestige despite the army’s limited
resources. This was only the beginning of Törni’s life as a brilliant leader. (​Shahan, R, 2017)
Törni was awarded copious arrays of medals from three armies highlighting his bravery
(Appendix B), the Mannerheim cross stands out as an equivalent to America’s medal of Honour, it
was awarded for “​a long list of exceptionally heroic deeds in service of Finland​” (Cleverley, 2008), otherwise
Törni was bestowed every medal for valour from the Finnish Army by the end of 1945,
demonstraiting how highly regarded he was. During the Continuation War, ‘Detachment Törni’
intercepted deep into the enemy's line and through guerilla tactics, inflicted such heavy casualties
that the Soviets placed a 3,000,000 Finnish mark for the capture of Törni. Amused by Soviet
reactions, Törni placed his trust in his unit not to betray him and due to the loyalty Törni inspired
in his men, none would succumb to the lure of Soviet propaganda.
Historians’ reflection in ‘Tuntematon Törni’ point out the harsh extremes Törni pushed his men
during their training and anyone who didn’t amount to his standards was reprimanded by removal
from ‘Unit Törni’ (Appendix D). However, Cleverly reasoned that this was the only way to ensure
that the best will remain, and keep the numbers of men alive high despite the dangerous nature of
the mission entrusted to the elite group, those who were sent back with no stigma attached to
their reputation (Esa Sirén, 2016). Even so the group grew from ten to a hundred and fifty men,
almost all their missions were completed with minimal casualties. In comparison to the heavy
losses experienced by other detachments this is a reflection of Törni’s successful tactics and
sensitivity to the value of human lives under his command . As well as this Törni always
recognised the limitations of the detachment’s ability; out of concern for his men after analysing a
futile mission, Törni would reject it and say to his commanding officers “You do it’. He would not
waste his men,” Risto Kaino of Unit Törni recalls. Later, instead of returning home to Finland at
the end of his ‘​Werwulf’​ training, he was placed in charge of German Marines. The German
fighting spirit declined in the face of the Red Army, the men under his command having seen
Törni in combat placed their trust in the foreign Hauptsturmfuhrer. (​Niittymäki, P 2013)
However, in the final hours of WWII Törni knew when it was hopeless so to save his men, he
finally surrendered to American 17th Airborne Division. The Americans even gave them firearms
to fight the Soviets, his negotiation skills and actions prevented the men from being captured by
the brutal Soviet troops. Törni never saw the need for unnecessary sacrifice with the lives even
with the dangerous nature of his job, showing compassion as a highly capable military leader.
Torni joined the US army in 1954 as a result of the Lodge-Philbin Act and joined the US Special
Forces through the encouragement of his officer friends in the American-Finnish Community of
“Marttinen’s Men'', after taking the name of Allan Thorne to hide his past involvement with the
German Army. Again Torni’s exemplary skill comes into play in 1962 when a US Air-Force plane
crashed in the Zagros mountain Iran and was failed to be retrieved by German troops and Iranian
mountain troops. Tasked with a seemingly impossible mission, Thorne was second in command
to lead a 12-manned team under extreme conditions destroying classified information and
bringing back the deceased bodies at 16,500ft and deep in enemy’s territory, the team was also
able to deliver humanitarian help to the locals. This expedition was directed by Törni thus gaining
him immense honourable notiority and respect in the US Special Force. Withal, Törni not
obsolete during peacetime redirecting his skills to teaching cadets, his informal leadership style was
perfect for being a SOF (Special Operation Force) instructor (​Sirén, E 2017)​. Törni’s ability to
command a detachment of Americans, Vietnamese tribal warriors and mercenaries in the thick of
the Vietnam war sustains the trend of Törni’s praiseworthy effort to unite vast groups under his
command despite situational adversities. Moreover, Törni initiated the effort to build many
hospitals and schools around his base in Chau Doc helping in the development of the locals
showing that he was more than just a military leader, he was a leader of the people. (Appendix E)
Ample in soldierly charisma even nearing his mid 40s, Lauri Törni matched, at times and bested
younger soldiers. Exec. Officer Robert Rheault praised Törni to be among the best soldiers of all
times. Törni carried these qualities into his final mission in Phuoc Son, Vietnam. Faced with
terrible weather he ordered his chopper to remain out of concern for the men on the ground,
continuously relaying support until his last moment (Appendix F). Törni was never faltering in
training and always eager to be in the frontline, a true role model for the military of his time and in
the future. Thus after his death the prestigious ‘Larry Thorne Award’ was established to recognise
US SOFsoldiers who reflected the exclusive qualities of Törni. “His legend as an ideal Green Beret
never died.” (Maj Gregory. J, 2010)
Composers and sources who wrote about Lauri Törni, from Maj. General Uno Fagernäs who
verified Törni’s Mannerheim cross documents, Paavo Kairinen who guided him, to Robin Moore
whose ‘Green Berets’ novel commended the gallant Törni, and countless others. As Cleverly
stated in his ‘Legend’ speech (2010), a soldier whose unit was saved by ‘Unit Törni’ expressed his
gratitude as, “​"These gallant [lads]...led by a just named 25 year-old Knight of the Mannerheim Cross
lieutenant, are famous [honourable]...", a​ chieving greatness despite his young age was not foreign to
Törni​ . T
​ hese are the people whose lives were genuinely changed, flourishing after meeting Lauri
Törni. None can trivialise the incredible life of Lauri Törni, the exemplary military leader of the
20th century, against the proofs of so many witnesses.
Despite Törni’s celebrated military career, there have been instances when his actions and integrity
were cast in doubt. Lauri Törni has been accused of committing treason as a Nazi sympathiser and
known to hold prejudice against Slavs. Thus, promoting conjecture as to the quality of his
character. Authors Juha Pohjonen and Oula Silvennoinen, both members of ‘Historian Without
Borders’ agree with the original treason convictions against Törni. Earlier in 1941 Lauri Törni
travelled to Austria to train with SS Panzer Div. Wiking as a volunteer for 7 weeks, although the
activities of his service was vague and mainly for training, the reason of recruitment was for the
"crusade against Bolshevism", the anti-Slavic sentiment was the foundation for those who joined
(Axis History, 2013). A news report published by the Finnish Government (Nuorteva, J, 2019)
revealed that between 1941-1945 involvements of SS- volunteers Division Wiking participated in
mass murder of Jews particularly after the death of Hilmar Wäckerle where 50-70 Jews were
massacred (Rhodes 2003). Lauri Törni was one of the volunteers during this time and although
historians can infer of Törni involvement in the Jewish massacre, there was no doubt that it was
his own personal crusade against Bolshevism. Törni pursued Soviet units and decimated their
numbers ruthlessly, as it was his personal satisfaction to hunt the ‘Ruskies’ the Geneva
Convention became a neglected subject in his unit.“We killed them all. Not humans, only
Ruskies” quote from Risto Kaino of ‘Unit Törni’ ​(A Soldier's Story, 2007)​ ​reflects the strong
prejudicial mentality held by the entire group under Törni’s command.
Törni willingly joined the movement that was implemented by Nazi Germany as a final bid for
power after being recruited in late 1944, this catalyse Torni’s traitorous journey. He participated in
the pro-Nazi ‘​Werwulf​ ’ Program, whose ultimate goal was to achieve a National Socialist coup in
Finland (Silvennoinen 2013). Törni received training in guerilla tactics, intelligence and sabotage in
Germany until disbandment of ‘​Werwulf’.​ Refusing to return to Finland, he served with German
Marines until his surrendered to Allied troops after V-E day. Törni’s decision made him become a
hunted man by Finnish intelligence after WWII (Appendix G). Similar ‘​Werwulf’ ​movements in
Hungary in 1944 saw countless Hungarian Jews deported to liquidation camp. Törni’s approval of
such movements is interpreted by author Silvennoinen as a more sinister, and racist side to the
‘national hero’. (Pilke, A, 2013) Germany’s brief skirmish in the Lapland war in 1944 saw Finland
turning against its former ally due to Soviet pressure, the German army implemented ‘Scorched
Earth’ policy devastating Finland grievously, bitterness between the two countries became
justification for ‘traitorous’ convictions against Törni. Törni’s betrayal cannot be excused for
political obliviousness as he was well knowledgeable with what the Nazi regime stood for in the
time spent as a soldier. After peaceful negotiations (Moscow Armistice) of the ​Continuation War
with the Soviet Union this course of action could have caused new disputes between the
Russo-Finnic borders. It was an impulsive traitorous act unfit of a figure of authority, and
considering Törni’s reputation with the Soviets this could have resulted in retribution to his
country.
Lauri Törni was also notorious in his detachment to never give orders to his men since it was his
style of casual leadership, his paranoia of spies urged him to give unexpected orders and expect his
men to comply. “No one knew what the mission was. Not even the Officers' ' Per Lindroos of
‘Unit Törni’ states, this lack of communication and secrecy became a sour note in his detachment
and outer circles within the army, without awareness of a mission’s intelligence it could endanger
the men under his command. Törni did not succeed in the army hierarchy or officer classes in
Finland. Promotions were delayed compared to earning complaints from superiors. The
promotion to Captain took place at the very last minute, and the first suggestion to make him the
Knight of the Mannerheim Cross did not go through. (Lindholm-Ventola, A, 1988) Törni often
got into trouble with the superior for his disregard of misconducts, brawling against Privates and
Majors alike in between battles or simply sunbathing. These misfits became lack of respect streak
toward superiors often leading him and the entire detachment into trouble, the group was only
spared court marshal due to heavy attacks from Soviet troops (​Kangasallo, O 2013).​ These
decisions had dire circumstances when a large Soviet offensive in 1944 reduced ‘Unit Törni’s’
operational mobility to only 50 men. Mauno Koivisto, who served in ‘Unit Törni’ and was
Finland’s 9th President even stated that, “We were quite poorly led”(​Karttunen, M)​. Törni’s
jaggedness came when there was nothing to do, boredom triggered misconducts and this
contradictory character opposes his title as a ‘good leader’.
Furthermore, Törni became well known as a tenacious Captain who was known to be sincere and
reasonable to his ranks, but after drinking alcohol he was dangerous, often brutal as noted by Esa
Sirén an author who does not vouch for one perspective of Törni. This long term habit intensified
after his discharge from the army after the Winter War, then later the Continuation War, after his
breakup with Swedish fiancee and during peacetime while in the US SOF (United States special
operations forces). Törni’s alcoholic tendency was excused as colourful behaviours by his
comrades but in no way is appropriate behaviour of a leader. In a serious incident in 1957 two
German soldiers were defenestrated by Törni who acted after provocations, “He took a barstool
and finished him.” Charlie Norton of US SOF recalls, this conflict was one out of many and
occurred during his more mild manner years. Without the help of Colonel Aito Keravuori, his
career would have ended dishonourably. Fueled by his hatred for Russians in his early years, his
persistence to take arms forewent his judgement leading to traitorous acts and frenzied acts of
violence, the evidences help in defining Törni as a vindictive and dangerous character or as a
ruthless traitor.
Conclusively, Lauri Törni is a man whose identity is now in fragments. There is no conclusive
story of such a complicated character and the nature of wartime makes it difficult to assume one
perspective of the enigmatic man. War can dismantle the ethical integrity of Lauri Törni as it does
with every other military leader. If Lauri Torni was a ruthless soldier then what does classify
Winston Churchill, George S. Paton or any other participants in any wars? There is no denying
that he was a brilliant soldier who may have had a difficult past but surpassed the expectations for
a soldier who has been through ample adversities in his life. Lauri Törni rises after his death as the
52nd most famous Finn of all time (Yleisradio, Y 2004), and remains a legendary military figure,
exemplary and well respected in the history of warfare.
ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY
Juha Pohjonen, Oula Silvennoinen​ : ​Silvennoinen, O & Pohjonen, J 2013, ​Tuntematon Lauri Törni
(Unknown Lauri Törni),​ Otava, Finland.
‘Tuntematon Lauri Torni’ is of value to the essay as a secondary written source, it consistently focuses on
the unknown appalling ventures of Lauri Torni and the juxtaposition of Torni in comparison to other
sinister characters in history contributes to the negative position within the essay. Juha Pohjonen and Oula
Silvennoinen as long term historians, members of ‘Historians without Borders’ and experts on the topic of
the Winter War has created this arguably highly reliable source that includes supporting military
documents to justify its credibility. The biography examines the guilts of Torni’s military tactics as well as
realizing the cruel intentions that Torni wielded to continually bring victory to his detachment. However
the desire to deviate from conventional positive perspective led astray the author’s intention to analyse the
true character of Lauri Torni and making the book biased.The biggest fault was by omitting the details of
Torni’s service in the American Forces. This meant that the book ignored the comments of Torni’s
superior describing him to be the top 10% of US officers with his skills, integrity and intelligence, instead
subverting these comment by calling Torni a report that calls him “a mediocre man,” “a gifted killer”, and
“anti-intellectual.”
Henry A. Gill​; “Soldier Under Three Flags: Exploits of Special Forces' Captain Larry A. Thorne”,
Pathfinder Publishing, USA (1998)
As a contemporary historian but an obscure figure, Henry A. Gill is analytical in his use of primary
witnesses including family, friends, and secondary sources including official records to illustrate the
arduous life of Lauri Torni. The biography examines the brilliance of Lauri Torni’s military tactics as well
as realizing the unreliable way in which Torni recounts his own life(exploits), this unreliability is
substituted by Henry A. Gill as he draw conclusions from listening to different versions of Lauri Torni’s
life, piecing together the facets to create an almost complete story. Gill also focused on other
achievements of Torni other than his military capabilities elaborating on the importance of understanding
Torni as a complete person away from his military lifestyle. The book does not hide the difficult side of
Lauri Torni to disguise him as a perfect lawfully neutral character, this makes the source highly credible, as
well as the fact that it corroborates with ‘Sotilaan Tarina’ in the biographical sense. The source is useful to
the debate for both opposing arguments. This source is of particular value to understanding the
adventures of Torni pre and post War World II, a topic that has been avoided by many non-Finnish
sources in favour of Torni well known exploits in the American Special Forces.
Mika Karttunen ​‘​Sotilaan Tarina (A Soldier's Story)​ 2007, television program, Solar Films, Finland, 2
November.
A biographical report starting from the hunt for Lauri Torni’s body, ‘Sotilaan tarina’ illustrates the
importance and relevance of Lauri Torni in the contemporary world as the US Army was keen on
retrieving his body even after 30 years of M.I.A. Directed by Mika Karttunen and written in collaboration
of Finnish and American historians, the documentary is a clear timeline of Lauri Torni’s life in vivid
images. With interviews from Torni’s sisters, historians (Kari Kallonen etc.), comrades from Detachment
Torni and the later US Special Forces whose perspectives of Torni was amalgamous. This is a secondary
source that is particularly reliable to a great extent, from which primary sources can be extracted. Since it is
the intention of the documentary to inform rather than persuade, it is not biased, audiences are supplied
with relevant information that describes Lauri Torni’s personality from all perspectives (foreign, public,
positive, negative etc.), this is definitely of value to the debate in the essay.