The definitive story of Germany's legendary counter-terrorism unitits origins, triumphs, and ongoing legacy in the fight against global terrorism.
The first comprehensive English-language history of GSG 9, tracing its origins, daring missions, and evolution into an elite counterterrorism force.In October 1977, an unknown German police unit made global headlines by storming a hijacked Lufthansa airliner in Mogadishu, Somalia. Operatives of GSG 9 freed 86 hostages, eliminated three of the four terrorists, and emerged with a near-total victory. This daring rescue left the world in awe, including the U.S. military. President Carter asked, Do we have the same capability as the West Germans? The answer was noand it was this realization that impelled the creation of Delta Force.This gripping book is the first comprehensive English-language history of GSG 9, tracing its roots back to the 1972 Munich Olympics Massacre, which exposed the worlds unpreparedness for modern terrorism. Formed in the aftermath, GSG 9 quickly evolved from a fledgling unit housed in makeshift barracks to an elite force. Author and journalist Martin Herzog draws from extensive research, German and international archives, and interviews with GSG 9 veterans and active members, including recent commander Robert Hemmerling. This deeply researched narrative chronicles GSG 9s humble beginnings, the vision of its founder Ulrich Wegener, and the evolving strategies that have made the unit one of the best in the world. Covering the rigorous training, recruitment, and modern-day operations of GSG 9, this book offers readers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of one of the most respected special operations forces in the world.
Foreword
Chapter 1: The Early Years
Chapter 2: ROTC 193640
Chapter 3: Active-Duty Mobilization, 194044
Chapter 4: Germany, WWII, 194445
Chapter 5: German Occupation WWII with Family, 194547
Chapter 6: Indian Staff College in New Delhi & UN Observer in Kashmir,
195052
Chapter 7: Deputy G-2, Executive Officer & 17th Infantry Regiment, Commander
5 May4 June 7th Infantry Division. Korea, 195253
Chapter 8: Infantry Tactics Instructor, Fort Benning, GA: 195357 / Army War
College, Carlisle, PA, 195758
Chapter 9: Staff & Commander 1st Airborne Battle Group 505th, Mainz and Bad
Kreuznach, Federal Republic of Germany, 195861
Chapter 10: Executive Officer, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff, Washington,
DC, 196264
Chapter 11: II Corps Senior Advisor MACV & Deputy Commander, 1st Brigade
101st Airborne Division, Vietnam, 196466
Chapter 12: Assistant Division Commander, 82nd Airborne Division, Ft. Bragg,
196768
Chapter 13: Chief Army Military Advisor Group Iran, 196870
Chapter 14: Return to Vietnam, 1970 as DCG and Acting CG Americal Division,
and the MEDT-C, Cambodia, 197172
Chapter 15: Singapore 197275
Chapter 17: The Organization and Operation of The Committee for a Free
Afghanistan and Field Advisor, 198389
Chapter 18: The Later Years
Martin was born in Aachen, Germany, in the summer of 1972, mere weeks before the fatal terror attacks on the Olympic Games in Munich that eventually led to the inception of GSG 9. When they accomplished their great feat in Mogadishu five years later, Martin was still not particularly interested in Germanys first counter-terror force. That changed after he finished studying philosophy, politics and history in Cologne and started working as journalist and producer for public broadcasters and national media outlets, specializing in historical subjects. He has covered the history of GSG 9 time and again for various historical radio and tv programs. In 2022, he published the first complete history of this elite police unit, GSG9ein deutscher Mythos. Martin lives in Cologne with his partner and cat. In his spare time, he can be found in his kitchen stirring pots, scuba diving off some remote island, sailplaning at his local airfield, or in the rehearsal room with his amateur acoustic pop combo.
