Jump Into Hell: German Paratroopers in World War II

by Franz Kurowski

As a crucial part of the blitzkrieg that swept across Western Europe in the spring of 1940, German paratroopers made combat drops in Denmark and Norway and then won a brilliant victory in their assault on the Belgian fortress of Eben-Emael. Their most famous airborne operation came in Crete in 1941 when they captured the island but with such high casualties that Hitler would not allow another major drop. Also organized as motorized infantry for ground attacks, the paratroopers saw action at Monte Cassino in Italy, in Normandy, and on the Eastern Front.

Genres: History, Military Fiction, World War II, Nonfiction, War, Military History

368 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good history of German airborne units of WWII. The strong points of the book are the accounts of small unit actions in light of a major battle. The chapters on Eban Emael, Waalhaven, Valkenberg, and the battle of Crete, I thought were the best. They cover the fighting from the 500 foot level to the 6 foot level.
Due to Crete being the last hurrah, the airborne divisions were used in piecemeal fashion. These actions are covered at the operational level. There is a good accounting but not as exciting.