Squadron Leader O. C. Kallio DFC

[Jukka Juutinen]

On www.wwiiaircraftperformance.org there is a combat report with the following info:"S/Ldr. O. C. Kallio DFC of 145 Squadron recorded in his Sortie Report for 2 December 1943:".

If the name Kallio is spelt correctly, it is a Finnish name. Any idea who was he?

[RSwank]

Oliver Charles "Sandy" Kallio was an American from Ironwood, Michigan, who joined the RCAF in 1940 (or 1941). At the time he was a mechanic/gunner in the AAF.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/...liver-c-kallio

https://www.newspapers.com/article/i...obe/163868520/

[Stig Jarlevik]

Interesting question Jukka

Looking at the second source clip we find a huge number of Nordic sounding names.
Can't be a coincidence really

John Korpi (Johan Korp)
Arne Kallio (brother)
Axel Kilponen
Gust Korpi (Gustaf Korp)
John Warpula
Reino Salonen (maybe a relative to Matti? )
etc
There is even a Walter Suomi
I doubt anyone takes such a name without having a clear ancestry back to Finland

Greetings from a friendly neighbour in Sweden.
Cheers
Stig

[BruceMk11]

I believe Kallio has an entry in 'Those Other Eagles', authored by Christopher Shores, but don't have my copy to hand.

Also concerning Kallio:

https://flyingforyourlife.com/pilots/ww2/k/kallio/

Cheers,
Bruce

[Leendert]

Reference to Finnish descent here: https://aad.archives.gov/aad/record-...=1&rid=7710168

Regards, Leendert

[RSwank]

Another newspaper article, this one from 1946.

https://www.newspapers.com/article/i...obe/163890319/

Not sure he ever made it to Alaska.

UPDATE

Best "detailed" article I found about his life, (and he did make it to Alaska). See article starting on pdf page 25:

https://33squadronassociation.co.uk/...umn%202019.pdf

[Juha]

Yes, he had Finnish roots.
His interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zHNs9dyBsc

One more newspaper clipping March 16, 1945 Ironwood Daily Globe from Ironwood, Michigan · Page 3
https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/55046445/

[Jukka Juutinen]

Thanks all!