Nils Edward Katajainen was a Finnish fighter pilot and a Mannerheim Cross Knight.
10 Facts About Nils Katajainen
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Nils Katajainen flew 196 sorties and shot down 35 enemy aircraft.
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Nils Katajainen was born to barber Oskar Katajainen and his wife, Jenny Katajainen, in 1919.
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Nils Katajainen began his military career by entering the volunteer service of the air force in 1939.
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Nils Katajainen was promoted to Corporal on 5 August 1940 following a reserve NCO course.
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Nils Katajainen flew anti-submarine missions, until his influential friends managed to arrange for him to return to LeLv 24.
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Nils Katajainen was badly wounded in an air battle on 5 July 1944.
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Nils Katajainen was discharged from the air force on 10 November 1944 following his hospitalization and subsequent convalescence period.
9.
Nils Katajainen was appointed Knight of the Mannerheim Cross on 21 December 1944.
10.
Nils Katajainen was the only pilot from the reserve pool that received the Mannerheim Cross.