"Formed in July 1938 under Kurt Student, 7th Flieger Division was first used in a minor, reconaissance role in the attack on Poland; the Fallschirmjager would see heavier action in the West in 1940 and took part in landings in Norway, Denmark, Belgium (Eben Emael) and Holland. After involvment in the invasion of Greece, the Fallschirmjager's finest hour came in the invasion of Crete and the epic battle to wrest the island from the British defenders. Victorious, but heavily blooded, the Fallschirmjager would henceforth be used as only an infantry and 7th Flieger Division became 1st Fallschirmjager Division, fighting with distinction in Sicily and Italy (particularly at Monte Cassino), finally surrendering near Imola in April 1945. The unit's varied history involves some of the fiercest fighting in World War II."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved