Hitler's Mountain Troops

"Warfare in the mountains was unique- fighting in a vertical wilderness in which the objective of a nearby mountain peak meant a gruelling descent into the valley and an exausting ascent to the summit, often under fire and in grim weather conditions. Hence the Gebirgsjaeger were tough and hardy men, often from the alpine regions of Germany- true 'mountain men' at home in the harsh conditions, an advantage that frequently won victories or facilitated escape where any other unit would have failed. These specially trained troops, skilled in mountaineering, skiing and endurance marching, are the subject of this authoritative study from the pen of an admiring writer who fought them in Italy"--Publisher's description.