The deadliest soldier in World War II, widely recognized for his extraordinary kill count as a sniper, was Simo Häyhä, often referred to as "The White Death."
Simo Häyhä was a Finnish sniper who fought during the Winter War (1939–1940) between Finland and the Soviet Union. In less than 100 days, operating in extreme sub-zero temperatures and dressed in all white camouflage, he amassed an estimated 505 confirmed kills with a rifle and over 200 with a Suomi KP/-31 submachine gun, bringing his total confirmed kills to more than 705. His unparalleled effectiveness against the invading Soviet forces earned him his fearsome nickname, "The White Death," from the Soviets themselves.
Simo Häyhä's Unmatched Record
Häyhä's incredible proficiency as a marksman stemmed from his deep knowledge of the terrain, his use of simple yet effective tactics, and his ability to withstand the harsh conditions of the Finnish winter. He often preferred to use iron sights on his M/28-30 rifle rather than a scope, which he believed would make him a larger target and could fog up in the cold. His tactics included:
- Camouflage: Wearing all-white snow camouflage.
- Snow Piles: Packing snow in front of his position to conceal muzzle flash and create a comfortable shooting rest.
- Cold Tolerance: Enduring temperatures as low as -40°C (-40°F).
- Adaptability: Switching between his rifle and a Suomi KP/-31 submachine gun for close-quarters engagements.
His actions severely demoralized Soviet troops and significantly hindered their advance, despite being vastly outnumbered.
Key Facts About Simo Häyhä
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | "The White Death," "Simuna," "The Magic Shooter" |
| Born | 17 December 1905, Rautjärvi, Viipuri Province, Grand Duchy of Finland, Russian Empire |
| Died | 1 April 2002 (aged 96), Hamina, Finland |
| Estimated Kills | Over 505 with a rifle; over 200 with a submachine gun (total over 705) |
| Conflict | Winter War (1939–1940) |
| Burial | Ruokolahti Church graveyard |
Legacy of "The White Death"
Simo Häyhä's remarkable achievements made him a national hero in Finland and a legendary figure in military history worldwide. He survived a severe facial wound from an exploding bullet in March 1940, just days before the Winter War concluded, and made a full recovery. His story continues to inspire and remains a testament to individual skill and determination in the face of overwhelming odds. For more detailed information, you can explore his life and legacy on Wikipedia.
