Otto Skorzeny (June 12, 1908 – July 5, 1975) was a colonel in the German Waffen-SS during WW2, considered by many as the best commando in the history of modern warfare.
Early Career
Born into a middle-class Austrian family, Skorzeny was a noted fencer in Vienna, receiving a dramatic scar on his cheek in his tenth duel. He joined the Austrian Nazi Party in 1931, fought with the Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler in the campaigns against the Soviet Union (1941-42), and won the Iron Cross for bravery.
Rescue of Mussolini
In July 1943, Hitler personally asked Skorzeny to rescue Benito Mussolini. On September 12, he led a daring glider assault on the Gran Sasso Hotel in the Apennines, rescuing Mussolini with very few shots fired. This earned him worldwide fame, promotion to major, and the Knight's Cross.
Other Operations
On July 20, 1944, Skorzeny helped suppress the plot against Hitler in Berlin. In October 1944, he kidnapped Hungarian Regent Horthy's son to prevent Hungary's surrender to the Red Army. During the Battle of the Bulge, he led Operation Greif with German soldiers disguised as Americans, causing such alarm that Eisenhower was confined to his headquarters for weeks.
Post-War
Acquitted at his war crimes trial when a British colonel testified that Allied commandos also fought in enemy uniform, Skorzeny escaped from prison in 1948, settled in Spain, and worked as a consultant to Egyptian President Nasser and Argentine dictator Peron. He died a multi-millionaire in Madrid in 1975.