Skorzeny's Special Missions: The Memoirs of Hitler's Most Daring Commando

Otto Skorzeny, a German commando in World War II, is known for his daring missions and achievements, including the glider rescue of Mussolini and the Ardennes offensive. He was awarded the German Cross in Gold and was dubbed the most dangerous man in Europe by the Allies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 30 August 2023
Publisher: Greenhill Books

Otto Skorzeny, a renowned German commando during World War II, stands as one of the most celebrated figures in the annals of special forces history. His remarkable wartime exploits were characterized by immense risk and thrilling adventures, and he has now recounted the entirety of his remarkable journey. Skorzeny swiftly demonstrated his prowess in Yugoslavia and subsequently in Russia. In 1942, he was bestowed with the Iron Cross, and in April 1943, he was promoted to the rank of captain and appointed as the Chief of Germany's Special Troops, Existing or to be Created in the Future.

When Mussolini was incarcerated in Italy in 1943, it was Skorzeny who successfully orchestrated the daring glider rescue, earning him the Knights Cross and subsequent promotion. His exceptional talents were once again called upon when he was dispatched to Budapest in 1944 to prevent the Hungarian regent Admiral Horthy from signing a peace accord with Stalin. As a result, he earned the moniker of the most perilous man in Europe among the Allies. Skorzeny was further honored with the German Cross in Gold. A few months later, he assumed a critical role in the Ardennes offensive with a contentious plan to raise a brigade disguised as Americans, utilizing captured Sherman tanks. His captured colleagues propagated a false rumor that he was plotting to assassinate Eisenhower, leading to Eisenhower's confinement to his headquarters for an extended period.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781805000143