Otto Skorzeny

[captain20052019]

I'd like to recommend the book "Hitler's Commando" by the infamous, but somehow forgotten by mainstream history, SS officer Otto Skorzeny. For those who do not know, Skorzeny is considered a pioneer of 'special forces' and was regarded during the war as "the most dangerous man in Europe". Skorzeny will be remembered most for his daring glider mission to rescue Benito Mussolini in 1943 which earned him the Knights Cross & a promotion. Skorzeny had multiple other high-profile missions, was a player in the post-war underground SS escape plan coined Odessa, and is believed to have later worked for the Israeli Mossad. Truly remarkable story! Many of you veteran forum members likely know about Skorzeny but I'm sure many of the new members haven't heard of him.

[Aldo]

immortalized as an action figure as well

[MAP]

Just have to remember. This is his side of the story. And his ties to the Mossad is still disputed (but no surprise there)

[captain20052019]

Just have to remember. This is his side of the story. And his ties to the Mossad is still disputed (but no surprise there)

Absolutely. I'm sure the book is a mix of fact & fiction but it has been a nice break from the typical stuff. Albert Speer's Inside the Third Reich is next on my reading list and I already know that's to be taken with a grain of salt as well. Any auto-bio/memoir should be taken with a grain of salt as far as that goes but especially when you're dealing with Third Reich figures.

As far as the Mossad stuff goes, i'm 50/50 on it. Skorzeny thoroughly believed in the cause of National Socialism so part of me finds it hard to believe he would work with the Israelis. However, he was no dummy and he would have known National Socialism was virtually dead forever so he may have decided it was in his best interest to do whatever it took to save himself. He certainly had plenty to live for post-war.

[captain20052019]

immortalized as an action figure as well

Ironically looks like Hitler! Ha. But otherwise, they nailed it. The crooked sidecap, the schmiss, & all!

[MAP]

He certainly was a larger than life personality

[TWS]

I am not familiar with that book, but bear in mind that Skorzeny was a self-promoter and opportunist. He did not lead the raid on Gran Sasso. It was a Luftwaffe FJ operation planned and lead by Luftwaffe FJ Major Harald Mors. Skorzeny insisted that he be allowed to tag along. Then, when Il Duce was freed, Skorzeny crammed himself into the Storch with Mussolini and the pilot and thereby put himself in a position to appear as if it was his operation. In Rome, they switched planes and Skorzeny directed the second plane to land in Vienna, his hometown, to refuel. He immediately telephoned... I think Himmler... and Himmler gave the news to Hitler, naturally allowing it to seem that his SS man, Skorzeny, was the key player in the raid. Hitler was ecstatic about how well the raid went and heaped praise on Skorzeny and insisted that he immediately be awarded the Knight's Cross. By the time the poor FJ's got back to base, the narrative was already established and when the FJ's complained to Goering, he said it's too late.

This is not to belittle Skorzeny's entire career, but is still important to point out.

[Blitzvogel]

I am not familiar with that book, but bear in mind that Skorzeny was a self-promoter and opportunist. He did not lead the raid on Gran Sasso. It was a Luftwaffe FJ operation planned and lead by Luftwaffe FJ Major Harald Mors. Skorzeny insisted that he be allowed to tag along. Then, when Il Duce was freed, Skorzeny crammed himself into the Storch with Mussolini and the pilot and thereby put himself in a position to appear as if it was his operation. In Rome, they switched planes and Skorzeny directed the second plane to land in Vienna, his hometown, to refuel. He immediately telephoned... I think Himmler... and Himmler gave the news to Hitler, naturally allowing it to seem that his SS man, Skorzeny, was the key player in the raid. Hitler was ecstatic about how well the raid went and heaped praise on Skorzeny and insisted that he immediately be awarded the Knight's Cross. By the time the poor FJ's got back to base, the narrative was already established and when the FJ's complained to Goering, he said it's too late.

This is not to belittle Skorzeny's entire career, but is still important to point out.

Good post. He certainly was a liar. He claims that the Das Reich division took part in the assault on Brest fortress, despite the fact that it never did. It was the 45th infantry division of Wehrmacht.

-Joel

[captain20052019]

i'm definitely not attempting to glorify Skorzeny or anything. You have this book, history/biography shows backing up the claims in the book, & then you have alternative claims that go against the narrative. My perspective on the matter is not only from the book but also History Channel & the popular Biographics channel on YouTube. That doesn't mean the narrative I have been exposed to is true. I just haven't had a chance to explore other claims yet.

One thing i'll say in defense of Skorzeny for lack of a better word is regardless, he was a soldier who served in multiple high profile units, had personal interactions with the high command, & had a remarkable story even if only 1/2 of it is true. One thing that struck me in the book so far was Skorzeny being yelled at by Himmler for smoking indoors. I like reading those little glimpses into the personalities of the Third Reich. We can only go by what people say. As I mentioned earlier, Albert Speer's book is marred with accusations of lies. I also picked up Heinz Guedarian's book Panzer Leader which is riddled with contested material. I guess my point is, it's either take a chance and read what you can or read nothing at all. Besides, it can't be all lies. Skorzeny mentions his affinity for National Socialism. In a post-war world it would only have benefited him to deny such a sentiment so I personally take little things like that as being likely true.


Regardless, perfect demonstration of the problem with history. The popular narrative or opinion is the one that becomes 'fact'.

[Paul D]

Skorzeny was the front for a very highly skilled and decorated German Brandenburger Adrian von Fölkersam who was awarded the RK in 1942 with I./Lehr-Regiment z.b.V. 800 "Brandenburg . He transferred into the Waffen SS and supported Skorzeny who took all the glory .

Skorzeny when given actual command of Troops was a disaster , such as Panzer Brigade 150 and the Battle of Malmedy during the Bulge and the Schwedt bridgehead in early 1945 .