Auftragstaktik and Innere Fuehrung: Trademarks of German Leadership

摘要

IN MAY 1940. the seizure of the Belgian fortress of Eben Emael was critically important to the successful conduct of the French campaign by the German Wehrmacht in World War Ⅱ. And yet, preparation and conduct of this special operation were entrusted to a first lieutenant of the paratroopers, which at the time was a branch of the air force. At his disposal were just 77 paratroopers. At the very beginning of this operation the glider aircraft of the assault force leader. First Lieutenant Rudolf Witzig. was forced to make an emergency landing in a field near Cologne, which was approximately 100 kilometers from the objective. The remaining aircraft flew on and landed inside Eben Emael, The paratroopers completed their mission, but under the leadership of a staff sergeant.