This Finnish Farmer Killed 542 Soldiers — And None of Them Ever Saw Who Was Shooting

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The Silent Hunter: The Story of Simo Hiha

On a frigid morning, February 17, 1940, Corporal Simo Hiha lay concealed in a snowdrift near Cola, Finland. The temperature plummeted to an astonishing -43° C, a bitter cold that would deter most men from venturing outside. Yet, there he remained, motionless and focused, watching a Soviet patrol of twelve soldiers as they trudged through the frozen forest. Hiha was armed with a Mosen Nagant M28-30 rifle, a weapon he had mastered through years of practice, and today would mark another chapter in his extraordinary story.

Simo Hiha was not just any soldier; he was a farmer turned sniper who would become the deadliest sniper in history. Born on December 17, 1905, in Raervi, Finland, Simo grew up in a large farming family. His childhood was steeped in the rhythms of rural life, where hunting was not merely a pastime but a necessity. From a young age, he developed skills that would later serve him well in combat: patience, stealth, and an intimate understanding of the terrain around him.

When the Soviet Union invaded Finland on November 30, 1939, the world expected the small nation to crumble under the weight of the massive Red Army. Finland’s military numbered only 300,000 compared to the Soviets’ one million soldiers. Yet, instead of surrendering, the Finns fought back fiercely. Simo Hiha, mobilized on the same day as the invasion, was determined to protect his homeland. He joined the 34th Infantry Regiment and was tasked with stopping the Soviet advance at the Cola River.

Hiha’s transformation from a farmer into a lethal sniper began with his keen observations on the battlefield. During the initial skirmishes, he noticed how predictably the Soviet soldiers moved, often bunched together and following established trails. Drawing from his hunting experience, he understood that predictable prey was easy to eliminate. By December 9, 1939, he had requested a transfer to the sniper role, where he could operate independently and engage targets at will.

His first confirmed kill came shortly after he began his new role. On December 10, he shot a Soviet officer organizing a patrol, followed by another soldier who approached the fallen officer. This marked the beginning of a remarkable journey that would see Hiha achieve an astonishing 542 confirmed kills in just 98 days of combat, averaging over five kills per day.

Hiha’s methods were simple yet effective. He preferred using iron sights over scopes, believing they made him less visible and allowed for quicker target acquisition. He would often wait motionless in the snow for hours, camouflaged against the white landscape, before taking a single, precise shot. His patience and discipline were unmatched, and he would never fire more than three rounds from one position to avoid being triangulated by enemy fire.

As the winter wore on, the Soviets became increasingly desperate to eliminate the “White Death,” as they had dubbed Hiha. They deployed specialized counter-sniper teams equipped with scoped rifles and set artillery to bombard suspected sniper positions. But Hiha adapted quickly, using the terrain and weather to his advantage. He learned to move silently through the snow and even held snow in his mouth to prevent his breath from revealing his position.

On January 15, 1940, the Soviets launched a massive artillery bombardment aimed at flushing him out. They fired 200 shells over a 30-minute period, obliterating the forest where he operated. Yet, Hiha was already 800 meters away, having anticipated the attack. Zero casualties for him, while the Soviets wasted their ammunition.

Despite the relentless Soviet efforts, Hiha continued to inflict casualties on their forces. By February 1, he had confirmed 219 kills, and the fear surrounding his legend grew. Soviet soldiers were reluctant to volunteer for patrols in the Cola sector, knowing they might encounter the deadly sniper. The psychological impact of Hiha’s presence was as significant as the physical toll he exacted.

February 1940 proved to be Hiha’s deadliest month. The extreme cold made the Soviet soldiers’ brown uniforms starkly visible against the white snow, allowing Hiha to engage targets at longer ranges. On February 17 alone, he killed 16 soldiers in just four minutes, firing 12 rounds with 11 hits. His reputation as the “White Death” was cemented, and the Soviets soon realized they were facing an unparalleled adversary.

But on March 6, 1940, everything changed. Hiha was in position, preparing to relocate after a successful morning of shooting, when a Soviet patrol stumbled upon him. He managed to shoot the lead soldier, but the remaining five quickly returned fire. In the chaos, a bullet struck Hiha in the face, shattering his jaw and leaving him choking on his own blood.

Despite the horrific injury, Hiha’s will to survive kicked in. He began to crawl through the snow, leaving a visible trail of blood as he moved. The Soviet patrol, eager to confirm their kill, followed the trail. Just as they were closing in, Finnish machine gunners opened fire, allowing Hiha’s comrades to reach him and drag him to safety.

Hiha was rushed to a field hospital, where surgeons worked tirelessly to save his life. The bullet had narrowly missed his carotid artery, a mere 8 mm away from death. After six hours of surgery, he survived, but his injuries left him permanently disfigured. He could no longer speak clearly or eat without difficulty, but he was alive.

The Winter War ended on March 13, 1940, with Finland ceding 11% of its territory to the Soviet Union. Simo Hiha had accounted for 542 Soviet casualties, a staggering feat that would forever mark him in history. He returned to farming but never forgot the war. He lived a quiet life, teaching marksmanship to new snipers and sharing his wisdom without boasting of his achievements.

In 1998, at the age of 93, Hiha agreed to one interview, reflecting on his past. He expressed regret not for the lives he took, but for the war itself. “I regret that the war happened,” he said. “They were soldiers following orders like me. They didn’t choose war. Stalin chose war.”

Simo Hiha passed away peacefully on April 1, 2002, at the age of 96. His funeral was attended by many, a testament to the impact he had on his country. He was buried simply, with a headstone that read “soldier,” reflecting his humility and dedication.

Hiha’s legacy lives on, not just as the deadliest sniper in history but as a symbol of resilience and determination. He demonstrated that one individual could make a difference, even against overwhelming odds. His story is a poignant reminder of the cost of war and the complexities of duty, honor, and survival. In the end, Simo Hiha was not just a soldier; he was a farmer who did what he had to do to protect his homeland, nothing more, nothing less.