Hitler's Luftwaffe Infantry: The German Air Force Field Divisions, 1942-1945

Examines the Luftwaffe Field Divisions of World War II, revealing the costly consequences of Göring’s ill-fated decision.

By spring 1942, Hitler’s forces on the Eastern Front were suffering heavy losses. To replace these casualties, the Army requested the transfer of 20,000 men from the Kriegsmarine and 200,000 airmen from the Luftwaffe to be retrained as infantry. Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring, head of the Luftwaffe, vehemently opposed the plan, fearing it would diminish his political powe...