Second Lieutenant Simo Häyhä - Finnish Army
Simo Häyhä, often referred to as “White Death,” was a Finnish sniper and soldier who gained legendary status for his remarkable marksmanship during the Winter War between Finland and the Soviet Union in 1939-1940.
Born on December 17, 1905, in Rautjärvi, Finland, Häyhä served as a second lieutenant in the Finnish Army during the Winter War. He was known for his exceptional skill as a marksman, particularly with a Mosin-Nagant rifle.
Häyhä’s most famous accomplishments occurred during the Winter War, where he fought against Soviet forces invading Finland. Operating in freezing temperatures and challenging conditions, Häyhä achieved extraordinary success as a sniper. He preferred to operate alone, dressed in white camouflage to blend with the snow, and often used iron sights to avoid revealing his position with a sniper scope’s glare.
During the Winter War, Häyhä amassed a staggering number of confirmed kills, with estimates ranging from 505 to over 700 enemy soldiers. His precise marksmanship and stealth tactics struck fear into Soviet troops, earning him the nickname “White Death.”
Despite his legendary status as a sniper, Häyhä was eventually severely wounded by an explosive bullet in March 1940, which left him in a coma for several days. He eventually recovered but was permanently disfigured. Despite his injuries, Häyhä survived the war and lived a long life, passing away on April 1, 2002, at the age of 96.
Simo Häyhä’s exploits during the Winter War solidified his place as one of the most legendary snipers in history. His incredible marksmanship, tenacity, and resilience continue to be celebrated in Finland and beyond, serving as a testament to the bravery and determination of the Finnish people during a critical period in their history.
U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Chris Kyle
Chris Kyle was a highly decorated United States Navy SEAL sniper who gained widespread recognition for his service during the Iraq War. Born on April 8, 1974, in Odessa, Texas, Kyle enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1999 and completed Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training to become a Navy SEAL.
During his military career, Kyle served four tours of duty in Iraq and was deployed to some of the most dangerous areas of the country. He gained a reputation as one of the deadliest snipers in American military history, with over 160 confirmed kills, though his actual tally is believed to be higher. Kyle’s exceptional marksmanship skills and his ability to protect his fellow servicemen earned him the nickname “The Legend” among his comrades.
After leaving the military in 2009, Kyle wrote a bestselling autobiography titled “American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History,” co-authored with Scott McEwen and Jim DeFelice. The book details his experiences as a Navy SEAL and sniper in Iraq.
Tragically, Chris Kyle was killed on February 2, 2013, at a shooting range in Texas by a fellow veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). His life and legacy were further popularized by the 2014 film adaptation of his autobiography, “American Sniper,” directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Bradley Cooper as Kyle.
Despite his untimely death, Chris Kyle’s contributions to the military and his dedication to his fellow servicemen continue to be honored, and he remains an iconic figure in American military history.
Captain Vasily Zaytsev
Vasily Zaytsev was a Soviet sniper during World War II, known for his remarkable marksmanship skills and his role in the Battle of Stalingrad. Born on March 23, 1915, in Yeleninskoye, Russia, Zaytsev grew up in a rural area and learned to hunt from a young age.
During the Battle of Stalingrad, which lasted from August 1942 to February 1943, Zaytsev became one of the most famous snipers of the war. He served as a sniper in the Soviet Red Army and was credited with over 240 confirmed kills, including those of numerous enemy snipers.
Zaytsev’s most famous accomplishment came during the Battle of Stalingrad when he engaged in a sniper duel with the top German sniper, Major Erwin König. Though some details of this duel have been subject to debate and embellishment, Zaytsev’s marksmanship and tactics during the battle contributed significantly to the Soviet victory.
After the war, Vasily Zaytsev continued to serve in the military, eventually attaining the rank of captain. He later became a celebrated figure in the Soviet Union and was awarded numerous honors for his bravery and skill, including the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.
Zaytsev’s story gained further recognition through the book “Enemy at the Gates” by William Craig, which was later adapted into a film of the same name in 2001. While the film takes liberties with historical accuracy, it helped to popularize Zaytsev’s story and brought attention to the brutal realities of the Battle of Stalingrad.
