He was an Austrian-born officer in the Waffen-SS during World War II, famously known by Allied intelligence as “The Most Dangerous Man in Europe.”
Visual Description
This custom-printed minifigure is extremely detailed, capturing the specific physical traits and uniform decorations of this historical figure:
-
The Face (The “Schmiss”): The most defining feature of this figure is the printed Dueling Scar (Schmiss) running down his left cheek. Historically, Skorzeny received this scar during a traditional academic fencing match (Mensur) in his university days. He also features his characteristic thin mustache.
-
Headgear: He wears a high-peaked Officer’s Visor Cap (Schirmmütze) in field grey. It features the silver SS Eagle (Adler) on the top and the Death’s Head (Totenkopf) emblem on the black velvet band below it.
-
Rank Insignia:
-
Collar Tabs: The right tab displays the SS Runes. The left tab shows four silver pips, indicating the rank of Sturmbannführer (Major), which was his rank during his most famous operations (he was later promoted).
-
-
Decorations & Medals:
-
Knight’s Cross: Printed around his neck is the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross, a high award for battlefield bravery.
-
Chest Awards: On his left breast pocket, you can see detailed prints of the Iron Cross 1st Class, the General Assault Badge, and likely the Silver Wound Badge (which he earned during the invasion of Russia).
-
Buttonhole Ribbon: A red, white, and black ribbon is printed in his tunic buttonhole, representing the Iron Cross 2nd Class.
-
-
Uniform: He wears the standard field-grey service tunic with a black leather officer’s belt (featuring the SS buckle) and black high boots (Jackboots) printed on the legs.
Historical Background
-
“The Most Dangerous Man in Europe”: Skorzeny was the commander of German special forces (Friedenthaler Jagdverbände). He specialized in high-risk commando operations.
-
The Gran Sasso Raid (1943): His most famous mission was the glider-borne rescue of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini from a hotel on top of the Gran Sasso mountain in Italy. This mission made him famous worldwide and earned him the Knight’s Cross seen on the figure.
-
Operation Greif: During the Battle of the Bulge (1944), he led a brigade of English-speaking German soldiers disguised in American uniforms to cause chaos behind Allied lines.
Awesome