The book features capsule biographies of recipients of the Knights Cross, detailing their birth dates, the progression of their awards, and significant aspects of their military careers. Accompanying each biography is a World War II era photograph, providing a visual context to the historical figures and enhancing the reader's understanding of their contributions during the war.
Each recipient is presented in a capsule biography including date of birth, awarding of the various Knights Cross grades, and other particulars to rank and career. Each is also shown in a World War II era photograph.
In August 1939, U-48, commanded by 'Vaddi' Schultze, took up a waiting position around England. Schultze showed himself to be a notable humanitarian: he addressed signals to Churchill giving positions of ship sinkings so that crews could be saved. By 1 August 1941 this most successful boat of World War II, had sunk 56 merchant ships one corvette.
Each recipient is presented in a capsule biography including dates of birth, awarding of the various Knights Cross grades, and other particulars to rank and career. Each is also shown in a World War II era photograph.
The final stage of the Second World War, with the enemy across the Reich's borders, saw final desperate battles for numerous "fortified places" and blocking positions. Hitler ordered the defense of these fortified places such as Konigsberg and Breslau, Wesel and Kolberg, Danzig, Posen and many others. In these isolated bastions the war-weary German units offered desperate resistance, offered for good purpose. This stubborn holding-on to the last round saved hundreds of thousands of women and children, made possible the evacuation of hospitals and the transport out of surrounded Wehrmacht female auxiliaries. The fates of German soldiers were realized in bunkers and caves, in tunnels and fields of rubble. In the Hurtgenwald as in the Reichswald, during the crossing of the Rhine between Wesel and Emmerich, in the Remagen bridgehead, on the hill at Keppeln, in the Ruhr pocket, as well as in the east of the Reich in the East Prussian pocket, in Pomerania, in Silesia and in the Reich capital. Shocking scenes of apocalyptic battle were played out wherever Hitler's last bastions held out against the onrushing enemy, whether at the frontiers of the Reich or inside Germany itself.
Focusing on the legendary aerial exploits of a top World War II fighter ace, this biography highlights his remarkable achievement of 158 victories, including an astounding 17 in a single day. By the age of twenty-three, he was regarded as the premier pilot of the Luftwaffe. The book also explores the combat experiences of JG 27, his unit, and delves into the diverse personalities involved in the North African campaign, providing a comprehensive look at both the man and the context of his extraordinary feats.
Exciting stories of the infantrymen who supported Germany's tanksHow tanks and infantry cooperated at the small-unit levelFirst time in EnglishThe panzergrenadiers were the footsoldiers who went into battle alongside the Third Reich's feared tanks. Whether in the Wehrmacht or Waffen-SS, these troops endured all the horrors of infantry combat--fighting hand-to-hand, storming enemy positions, and rescuing fallen comrades--but they did so in the shadow of thundering giants like the Tiger and Panther. Kurowski tells the stories of some of the very best of these mechanized infantrymen, bringing them and their actions to life.
Six riveting, gritty accounts of some of the greatest German tank commanders, including Michael Wittmann, Hans Bolter, Hermann Bix, and others. Timelines mark the milestones of each officer's career.
The narrative immerses readers in the experiences of German soldiers in the Afrika Korps during World War II, showcasing their struggles under the harsh desert conditions and their loyalty to commander Erwin Rommel. From 1941 to 1943, they engaged in fierce battles across the Western Desert, facing both enemy forces and the brutal climate. Kurowski highlights the camaraderie, humor, and resilience of these men as they navigated the complexities of war, ultimately culminating in their surrender in Tunisia. His firsthand insights as a wartime journalist enrich the account.
Sequel to the well-regarded Panzer Aces. Chapters on Hermann von Oppeln- Bronikowski, Kurt Knispel, Karl Nicolussi-Leck, and other great commanders.