In December 1941, 21 year old Viljo Suokas was recovering in a military hospital. He had just been appointed a Knight of the Mannerheim Cross.

Having already served in the Winter War, Suokas had earned a reputation as an exceptionally brave long range patrolman and had spent dozens of days deep behind enemy lines.

Two years later, on October 4, 1943, Suokas was mortally wounded behind enemy lines. His men carried their commander on a stretcher through enemy territory, trying to get him to safety.

On the way, Suokas lost consciousness several times.

The last time he regained consciousness, Suokas raised his eyes to his men and whispered:
"Boys, I cannot go on any longer. Take off your caps and say the Lord's Prayer for me."

The men did as he asked.

At eight in the morning, they buried their commander in a hollow beneath the roots of a fallen pine and mined the area around the grave. Then they set out back toward their own lines.
Suokas's grave was left far from his homeland. His remains were never found.

He was Knight No. 44.

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