World War II German Fallschirmjäger, Ardennes Offensive - 1944

The German paratroopers, also known as the Fallschirmjägers distinguished themselves as outstanding fighters of high quality and a true elite fighting force during World War II.


















Oberstleutnant Friedrich August Freiherr Von der Heydte headed the Parachute Battalion for the mission which was to be code named "Operation Stösser". This Fallschirmjäger belong to the 3rd Parachute Division which saw extensive action in the Ardennes in late 44, early 45.




















They were Airdropped in the forest of the Ardennes on December 16, 1944 during "the Battle of the Bulge". Their objective was to secure a main road junction that led to Verviers, Eupen and Malmedy and prevent any American reinforcements.


















As they jumped they became widely dispersed around the drop zone. By the morning of the 17th December Von der Heydte only managed to find 125 men, 10% of which were injured and many men died of exposure overnight in the harsh weather conditions. Most of their weapons containers had been lost during the drop and only a small percentage of the men were trained to jump with their weapons, which made the job of stopping allied reinforcements practically impossible. Reconnaissance parties were quickly sent out to try and make contact with elements of the 6th Panzer Army, many never returned and those who did failed to make contact.

















By the evening of the 17th, Von der Heydte had made contact with another 150 scattered stragglers of his Battalion. The Allies had become aware of the presence of Germans in the area but had assumed a major drop of Paras, instead of a handful of men. This caused panic and confusion at Allied Command. Von der Heydte only succeeded in the redeployment of US troops who became engaged in the search for German Paratroops or protecting high ranking officers, instead of heading for the front.

















The Fallschirmjägers had no contact with 6th Panzer Army, All were tired and hungry, and with many of them wounded, the Americans were hunting for them and had practically surrounded them. They tried to break through the Allied encirclement. The attack failed and they took heavy casualties.

















This trooper was killed after an encounter with US Army troops during a recon patrol.