Wolf Zoepf has produced an extremely detailed account, part-memoir, part-combat narrative, covering the actions of 6th SS Mountain Division 'Nord' during the battles fought in Operation Nordwind, Alsace, 1945. Against the background of his division's three (plus) years of combat against the Soviets in northern Karelia, this book provides a detailed description of 6th SS Division's actions against elements of the US Seventh Army in the Low Vosges Mountains during the first seven days of 1945. Beyond a simple account of the course of the infiltration, raid, defence and exfiltration by his two-battalion task force, Herr Zoepf's book thoroughly recounts the action in adjacent sectors within the Low Vosges, on the German and the American sides of the battle as well. Particular attention is given to the battle for Wingen-sur-Moder, involving both seasoned and green American forces, and German units ranging from hastily-trained Volksgrenadiers to previously undefeated SS-Gebirgsjager.
The course of the battle includes a masterfully-conducted infiltration through snow-covered mointains, the capture - and subsequent release, unharmed - of over 250 Americans, considerable close combat, jointly conducted Waffen-SS and American medical care for their wounded, and, ultimately, the wounding and capture of the author. Ringing with authenticity and full of fresh insights and factual data about this practically-unknown battle and oft-overlooked elite unit, Seven Days in January will make an important and unique contribution to the body of literature of World War II in Europe. The author, a former member of 6th SS Mountain Division 'Nord', performed extensive research in US, German and Czech archival sources, and has woven his compelling, true, and fully confirmed personal story into a revealing and detailed tapestry of historical description and analysis.
Major units about which there is significant information included in this book include: German Units 21st Panzer Division / 17th SS-Panzergrenadier Division 'Gotz von Berlichingen' / 25th Panzer-Grenadier Division / 2nd, 3rd and 7th Mountain Divisions / 6th SS-Mountain Division 'Nord' / 169th Infantry Division / 256th, 257th, 361st and 559th Volksgrenadier Divisions US Units 36th, 45th, 79th and 100th Infantry Divisions / Task Force Herren (70th Infantry Division) / Task Force Hudelson (14th Armored Division) / 117th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron
The course of the battle includes a masterfully-conducted infiltration through snow-covered mointains, the capture - and subsequent release, unharmed - of over 250 Americans, considerable close combat, jointly conducted Waffen-SS and American medical care for their wounded, and, ultimately, the wounding and capture of the author. Ringing with authenticity and full of fresh insights and factual data about this practically-unknown battle and oft-overlooked elite unit, Seven Days in January will make an important and unique contribution to the body of literature of World War II in Europe. The author, a former member of 6th SS Mountain Division 'Nord', performed extensive research in US, German and Czech archival sources, and has woven his compelling, true, and fully confirmed personal story into a revealing and detailed tapestry of historical description and analysis.
Major units about which there is significant information included in this book include: German Units 21st Panzer Division / 17th SS-Panzergrenadier Division 'Gotz von Berlichingen' / 25th Panzer-Grenadier Division / 2nd, 3rd and 7th Mountain Divisions / 6th SS-Mountain Division 'Nord' / 169th Infantry Division / 256th, 257th, 361st and 559th Volksgrenadier Divisions US Units 36th, 45th, 79th and 100th Infantry Divisions / Task Force Herren (70th Infantry Division) / Task Force Hudelson (14th Armored Division) / 117th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron
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