Simo Häyhä - The Most Effective Sniper Ever

Simo Häyhä, often referred to as "The White Death," was a Finnish sniper who gained legendary status for his incredible skills during the Winter War between Finland and the Soviet Union from 1939 to 1940. He was born on December 17, 1905, in Rautjärvi, Finland, and passed away on April 1, 2002.

Häyhä served as a soldier in the Finnish Army during the Winter War, which was fought in extremely harsh winter conditions. He is best known for his exceptional marksmanship and his use of the Mosin-Nagant rifle. Häyhä had an incredible talent for camouflage and sniping, which allowed him to tally a staggering number of kills. It is estimated that he killed over 500 Soviet soldiers during the conflict, although some estimates put the number even higher.

What made Häyhä's achievements even more remarkable was the fact that he accomplished this in the harshest of winter conditions, often enduring extreme cold and limited visibility. He dressed in white camouflage and operated with great patience and precision.

Unfortunately, Simo Häyhä was seriously wounded in early March 1940 when he was shot in the face by a Soviet soldier. He survived but was in a coma for several days. The war ended soon after, and Finland and the Soviet Union signed a peace treaty.

After the war, Simo Häyhä lived a quiet life in Finland. He was awarded various honors for his bravery and marksmanship, including the honorary title of Second Lieutenant. Häyhä's story has become a symbol of Finnish resistance and military skill during the Winter War and remains a part of Finnish folklore and military history.