Hitler's Sky Warriors: German Paratroopers in Action, 1939-1945

Dulles VA: Brassey's Inc, 2002 Book. New. Soft cover. First Thus.. Includes the invasion of Crete 1941 (pp.48-63) "Beginning with an examination of the origins of airborne forces in Germany and Europe during and after World War I, Hitler's Sky Warriors goes on to look at how the concept of airborne assault was developed by the Nazis in the 1930s, leading to the creation of the 7th Flieger Division. The first two years of World War II illustrated the effectiveness of the Fallschirmjager, as German airborne forces won a string of victories in Norway, Belgium, Holland, mainland Greece and Crete. And thought he invasion of Crete was to be the last large-scale German airborne operation of the war, the Fallschirmjager would continue to see heavy fighting in the elite infantry role. From the scorching sands of North Africa to the frozen wastes of Russia, paratrooper units fought with courage and skill to win the respect of friend and foe alike. Hitler's Sky Warriors includes detailed accounts of all the ground campaigns of the parachute divisions, especially in Italy, where their epic defence of Monte Cassino entered military legend."176p. illus.index.