“Simo Häyhä” was a fearless Finnish military sniper known as the “White Death” during the 1939-40 Winter War between Finland and the Soviet Union. - Estimations vary, but Simo Hayha has been attributed between 300-800 kills during a 100-day period, while fighting on the frontlines in the harsh, frozen (-20 to -40 Celsius), Finnish terrain. 

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Simo Häyhä NEVER used a scope when sniping (wtf!?) and employed a set of unique battle techniques and mindsets in order to maximize his ability to defend Finland. 

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The Red Army severely outnumbered the Finns during the Winter War and relied on sheer expendable bodies to overwhelm the Finnish army. However, what the Finns lacked in numbers, they made up for in spirit and adept understanding of their unique territory. - Although the Finns ultimately “lost” the Winter War, they put a massive dent in The Red Army – the Soviets lost between 138,000 to 168,000 men, while the Finns lost 25,904. 

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Due to this, the Winter War played a major role in the fall of Nazi Germany as it led Hitler to believe the Soviet Union was weaker than they actually were (i.e., if Finland could stand up to The Red Army, Germany MUST be able to…). Germany later ended up spreading their resources thin when they attacked the Soviet Union, having to fight a war on both sides, contributing to their defeat. 

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This is a story about a true champion among men. Simo Häyhä represents the mastery that is within all of us. He represents the ability to draw massive strength from within and stand up to a giant despite overwhelming odds. He is the embodiment of raw practice and training that leads to skills with unexpected consequences. We should always seek to do our best, like Simo Häyhä, you never know when your best will change the world. 

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This topic was a pleasure to research and discuss. 

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What say you? 

#winterwar #sniper #hero