Otto Skortseni SS colonel who led a commando group to free the arrested fascist dictator of Italy Benito Mussolini in 1943 Date of Birth: 12.06.1908 Country: Spain

1. Otto Skorzeny: The Notorious SS Commando
2. Early Life and Nazi Affiliations
3. Rise in the SS
4. The Grand Coup: Liberating Mussolini
5. Continuation of Covert Missions
6. Post-War Captivity and Escape
7. Post-War Activities

Otto Skorzeny: The Notorious SS Commando

Otto Skorzeny, born on June 12, 1908, in Vienna, emerged as one of the most notorious commanders of the Nazi German special forces.

Early Life and Nazi Affiliations

Skorzeny's early life was marked by his involvement in various paramilitary organizations. During his university studies in Vienna, he joined the "Volunteer Corps" and later the "Heimwehr." In 1930, he became a member of the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP).

Rise in the SS

In 1939, Skorzeny entered the ranks of the Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler, Hitler's personal bodyguard regiment. He fought on both the Western and Eastern Fronts during World War II. In April 1943, he was appointed to the Ausland-SD (VI department) of the Reich Security Main Office (RSHA), where he oversaw espionage and sabotage operations abroad.

The Grand Coup: Liberating Mussolini

Skorzeny's most celebrated feat occurred on July 29, 1943, when he led a daring commando raid to liberate former Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. His specially trained squad parachuted into the Apennine Mountains and rescued Mussolini within minutes, delivering him first to Rome and later to Vienna.

Continuation of Covert Missions

Following the success of the Mussolini rescue, Skorzeny played a key role in quelling the July 1944 Plot against Hitler. In October 1944, he commanded a diversionary force that captured Hungarian regent Admiral Miklós Horthy, who planned to surrender to the advancing Soviet forces. Allegedly, Skorzeny was tasked with capturing General Dwight D. Eisenhower during the Ardennes Offensive in December 1944.

Post-War Captivity and Escape

Skorzeny was apprehended by American forces in May 1945 and faced trial at the Dachau military tribunal in September 1947. However, he was acquitted. Despite spending time working in an American military archive, he was arrested by German authorities in 1948. Remarkably, he escaped from the Darmstadt internment camp and disappeared.

Post-War Activities

Under the alias Robert Steinbächer, Skorzeny organized the underground network "Die Spinne" ("The Spider") in 1949, assisting over 500 former SS members in fleeing abroad. He later settled in Spain under the protection of dictator Francisco Franco and engaged in business ventures. Skorzeny published his memoirs in 1951, providing insights into his extraordinary life.