The discussion revolves around examples of individuals or small groups standing against overwhelming odds, whether in true stories or fictional narratives. Participants share their favorite instances from literature, film, or history where remarkable resilience or survival is depicted.
Participants express varied examples of stories against odds, but there is no consensus on a single narrative or viewpoint. The discussion remains open-ended with multiple perspectives presented.
Some contributions rely on historical accounts, while others are fictional or metaphorical, leading to a mix of interpretations regarding what constitutes "standing against impossible odds."
Simo Häyhä was called into action during the Winter War with his service under the 6th Company of JR 34 on the Kollaa River. The Finnish stand at Kollaa is often referred to as "The miracle of Kollaa," as the Finnish action here was most heroic. The Finnish forces in the region were under the command of Major General Uiluo Tuompo and they faced the 9th and 14th Soviet Armies. At one point the Finns at Kollaa were facing 12 divisions, some 160,000 men. The Red Army losses in this arena were staggering as the brave Finns took their toll on the communist invaders. There have been those that called the Finnish defense of this key region "fanatical", and it was in the Kollaa area were the famous battle of "Killer Hill" took place with 32 Finns battling 4,000 Soviet soldiers. These were the hunting grounds of Simo Häyhä and it should be noted that even against massive odds the Kollaa positions were still in Finnish hands at the end of the war (March 1940).
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Mr. Häyhä was credited with over 500 kills in his service during the Winter War with his service cut short as he was wounded on 3-6-40 by a Soviet sniper.
OAQfirst said:Simo Hayha - "The White Death - World's Greatest Sniper"
http://www.mosinnagant.net/finland/simohayha.asp
The Soviets didn't know what to do with this guy. They sent in task forces and teams of counter-snipers, and Hayha killed them, too. Out of frustration, they carpet-bombed the area, successfully wounding his coat. Eventually someone got lucky and shot him in the head, blowing half of it away.
Hayha made a full recovery.