Background
Magnusson was born in Ylitornio, Lapland Province to superintendent Leopold and Maria Magnusson (née Hälli).
Magnusson was born in Ylitornio, Lapland Province to superintendent Leopold and Maria Magnusson (née Hälli).
He was the commander of Number. 24 Squadron and Flying Regiment 3 during World War 2. he also flew 158 sorties as a fighter pilot and shot down 5 1/2 enemy aircraft. He matriculated in 1923 in Kuopio.
After completing his compulsory military service in the Northern Savo regiment Magnusson tried to get into the Military Academy. he was admitted to course number 6 on 1 December 1923.
After completing the course Magnusson was assigned to Naval Flight Squadron 30 on 30 September 1925. Magnusson was promoted to lieutenant on 14 May 1927.
Magnusson served in sevaeral military assignments in the 1930s, including the Air Force Headquarters. He was promoted to the rank of Captain on 30 November 1932.
Between 1936and 1937 Magnusson was twice ordered to the Netherlands where he tested aircraft that were offered to the Finnish Air Force and evaluated their air combat qualifications and flight characteristics.
In 1938, Magnusson spent three months in Germany and learned German fighter tactics. Magnusson was appointed squadron commander for Number. 24 Squadron on 21 November 1938.
In the beginning of the Continuation War, on 10 November 1941, Magnusson was promoted to Colonel, and at the same time he was denied flying combat missions.
He worked as the commander of Number. 24 Squadron until May 1943, when he was appointed command of Flight Regiment 3, a position he held until the end of the Continuation War.
Magnusson resigned from the Air Force on 17 March 1946. After his military career he served as the director of a bank in Helsinki.
He was promoted to the rank of Major-General on 4 June 1993.
Gustaf Magnusson died on 27 December 1993. He is buried at the Hietaniemi Cemetery in Helsinki.