Early Career and First Victories
Paavo David Berg was born in Lahti on November 23, 1911. He was commissioned as a lieutenant on May 16, 1935, and assigned to “v 26.”
Berg undertook his first combat mission on February 2, 1940, flying a Gloster Gladiator. During an aerial engagement over Hanko, Lieutenant Berg successfully shot down an I-153 fighter. His victim was identified as Lieutenant Bedarev of the 38th IAP.
Intense Combat and Ace Status
Berg achieved no further victories until February 18, when he participated in an squadron interception. They engaged a large formation of approximately 40 SB bombers targeting railway lines near Kouvola. Berg and his wingman skillfully attacked the rear of the formation, successfully downing two bombers.
On February 19, Berg’s patrol endured a fierce battle against 32 SB bombers, escorted by I-153 fighters, over Sippola. He was credited with shooting down two enemy fighters during this engagement. According to Soviet records, Lieutenants Yents and Osipov of the 149th IAP were lost that day.
With his five victories achieved while flying the Gloster Gladiator, Berg became the most successful Finnish pilot on this aircraft type. Towards the end of the conflict, he was transferred to Lelv 32 on March 27, 1940, where he began flying the Fokker D-21. He was subsequently promoted to Captain on April 30, 1940.
Later War and Tragic End
With the commencement of the war against the USSR in 1941, Captain Berg flew the Curtiss Hawk 75A as part of 1/LeL v32.
Captain Berg was killed in action on November 1, 1941. Official Finnish records state his fighter (CU-579) was shot down by anti-aircraft artillery fire. However, recent findings suggest he became a victim of the later-renowned Soviet ace Vasily Golubev. At the time of his death, he had accumulated 9 personal victories.