Skorzeny's Special Missions: The Memoirs of the Most Dangerous Man in Europe

I bought this book seeking practical knowledge, never thinking that I'd actually be entertained. Skorzeny is best known for starting the infamous ODESSA organization for aiding escaped war crininals. Don't buy the book looking for information about ODESSA though; it's not there. A few secrets followed him to his grave. It is important not to look upon Skorzeny as simply an escaped prisoner of war asserting his braging rights from a safe harbor. Skorzeny was an extraordinary soldier, a commander of special forces before people knew what special forces were. A captain in a Waffen SS special warfare unit, Skorzeny's career takes off when he is selected by Hitler-- quite possibly the only good strategic decision he ever made-- to lead a raid to rescue Mussolini after his overthrow in 1943. It is clear that by all accounts, the rescue never would have succeeded without Skorzeny's raw leadership skills and ability to chop through political red tape. The book gives a surprisingly honest and often hilarious account of his ability to succeed in spite of the "help" provided by his 'upper management'. Something that struck me about 'The most dangerous man in Europe' is the lack of ego as he tells his story. There is little embellishment of the facts as he tells of his exploits; if anything the weakness of the book lies in its lack of detail. The tale is, of course, unfinished and in places seems full of holes and half-truths. I am sure this is what he intended, as it leaves speculators to add to his infamous legacy. Those who could fill in the details accurately were either running for their lives or at the end of a rope. Regardless, a good soldier has a duty and a right to defend his country no matter how wrong. It must be remembered that Skorzeny was a soldier-- a man of action, not of politics. It is for that that he deserves a measure of respect.

While not a great writer, skorzeny provides a very interesting memoir, absent of self-promotion and well worth the read. This is a must-read for anyone interested in elite units. ...

Unrepentant and loudmouthed is the way Skorzeny lead his life and the men of his SS special forces. If you want to read a revisionist, mealy-mouthed apology by a man who lived his life on the edge, this is NOT the book. On the other hand, if you want to gain perspective into the man and his times AS THEY REALLY WERE, this is the book for you. A great read, but for the full story, read "My Commando Operations." No professional military officer should be without this book.

From his birth to the end of the world war II, Otto tells it through his eyes; the glory and horror of war. His visit to Naples before the war springs his millitary career into high gear. Brilliant millitary success after success drives him to elite status; making him crude and rutless to be feared... "Hitler's favorite commando". A must for die-harden fans.