The+Green+Devils

__The Green Devils__ The Green Devils were German paratroopers (Fallschirmjäger) used in World War II. One famous Green Devil is Robert Wulff. The Green Devils were perceived as the elite infantry units of the German military and still exist today. Their headquarters were in Berlin and their commander was Kurt Student. He was later convicted of war crimes against Crete. Some examples of their “commandments” included, but are not limited to: During World War II, the Germans thought it would be a good idea to drop soldiers behind enemy lines. Although the idea was not new, the German military used this idea and took a new level to use airborne troops in the first few battles of the war in Denmark, Norway, Belgium and Holland. The invasion of Crete (Operation Mercury) was the first battle to only be fought in the air. German Paratroopers (Green Devils) attacked the island via parachute drop and glider-borne landings. After the tough fight and heavy losses, the island was secured, but Hitler banned any future solely air assaults.
 * 1) You are the chosen ones of the German Army. You will seek combat and train yourselves to endure any manner of test. To you, the battle shall be fulfilment.
 * 2) Beware of talking. Be not corruptible. Men act while women chatter. Chatter may bring you to the grave.
 * 3) Never surrender, to you death or victory must be a point of honour.
 * 4) You must grasp the full purpose of every enterprise, so that if your leader is killed you can fulfil it.
 * 5) Keep your eyes wide open. Tune yourself to the top most pitch. Be nimble as a greyhound, as tough as leather, as hard as Krupp steel and so you shall be the German warrior incarnate.

As the war progressed, and air superiority was lost, the German paratroopers were only used in small airborne operations in Sicily and Italy during 1943, they were also used in Ardennes offensive in December 1944. For most of the war paratroopers were a huge role in the infantry units. They were highly trained, highly motivated and considered an elite force even though the average age was only 17.5.

One reason why this topic is important to our trip is because the Green Devils were first put into action in Belgium and the Netherlands, two of the places we'll be visiting on this trip.