Accounts of a German Paratrooper in World War II

World War II is often portrayed as a war of extremes, where acts of bravery coexisted with unspeakable atrocities. Among the figures of this tumultuous era, Alexander Uhlig emerges as a paradoxical example of heroism, reflecting the moral complexity of a conflict that divided the world. Born in Meusdorf, near Leipzig, Uhlig was one of Nazi Germany’s first paratroopers, whose role in the war reveals both the courage and moral ambiguity of soldiers who fought in the name of a dark regime.

From Soldier to Leader: Uhlig’s Military Rise

Alexander Uhlig’s military career began in November 1937 when he enlisted in the General Goering Regiment, which was later transformed into the 1st Parachute Regiment. After completing his training in Stendal, he received the paratrooper badge with the number 971, becoming one of the first thousand German soldiers to achieve this milestone. His involvement in significant military campaigns, such as the Sudetenland occupation and the Prague action, demonstrated his effectiveness as a soldier, culminating in his participation in the parade honoring Adolf Hitler’s 50th birthday in 1939.

At the start of World War II, Uhlig had already risen to the rank of corporal and led a platoon in the 1st Parachute Regiment. His participation in the Polish campaign and later the Norwegian campaign was marked by acts of bravery and efficiency. It was during the operation in Dombas, in April 1940, that Uhlig first experienced the brutal reality of a combat jump. Of the 61 paratroopers under his command, only a few managed to survive and resist in the Norwegian mountains until they were captured or killed.

Even in a near-desperate situation, the tenacity of Uhlig’s men ensured that they maintained resistance until the last bullet. Subsequently, freed by German troops, they were again sent into action, this time in Narvik, where Uhlig’s platoon was the first to jump, aiding in the liberation of the encircled mountain troops of General Dietl. For his performance, Uhlig was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class and the Narvik Shield.

Crete, North Africa, and Italy: Expanding the Theater of Operations

Uhlig’s involvement in the conflict was not limited to Northern Europe. After being transferred to the Luftwaffe Flight Corps, he participated in Operation Merkur, the German airborne landing on the island of Crete. Between 1941 and 1943, Uhlig took part in 169 enemy missions, involving parachute jumps, air attacks, and supply flights in theaters of war such as Crete, North Africa, and Italy. For these missions, he was awarded the Gold Flight Medal and the Iron Cross 1st Class.

However, as the war dragged on, even the most decorated soldiers began to feel the weight of the conflict. In September 1943, Uhlig carried out his last combat mission before being transferred to training at a military academy, preparing for a more strategic leadership role. By the end of 1943, he was assigned to the 6th Parachute Regiment, commanding a platoon in the 8th Company, under the leadership of Major von der Heydte.

The Defense of Caen: The Last Stand in Normandy

In May 1944, the 6th Parachute Regiment was transferred to Normandy, where it positioned itself in the Caen area, one of the main points of resistance against the Allied invasion. Uhlig, promoted to commander of the 16th Company, played a crucial role in defending this sector. From the start of the invasion, the paratrooper regiment was described as a “rock in the tidal wave,” stubbornly resisting Allied forces even under significant losses.

The battle around Seves Island on July 22, 1944, is a clear example of Uhlig’s and his men’s determination. Under orders to repel an American incursion into the German front line, Uhlig led his company, composed of just 5 officers and 27 men, in a successful counterattack that resulted in the capture of about 250 American prisoners of war. This action was one of the last German victories in Normandy and led to Uhlig being recommended for the Knight’s Cross, one of Germany’s highest military honors.

Captivity and Escape: The End of an Era

Shortly after this battle, the 6th Parachute Regiment received orders to cover the German forces’ retreat in Normandy, a mission that was successfully carried out, despite resulting in heavy casualties and eventually Uhlig’s capture by the Americans. He was transported to prisoner-of-war camps in England and the United States, where he remained until the end of 1945. In 1946, he was transferred to England, where, after months of surveillance, he managed to escape in April 1947, returning to East Germany just five days later.

Reflections on a Troubled Past

Alexander Uhlig’s story reflects the paradoxes inherent in war. He was a brave soldier who fought with determination and skill, but he was also an instrument of a regime responsible for some of the greatest atrocities in history. His trajectory raises questions about the morality of war and the nature of heroism in times of conflict.

As we look at figures like Uhlig, we are forced to confront the complexity of history, where acts of bravery often coexist with a legacy of destruction and suffering. This is the paradox of the soldier in wartime: a hero to some, an enemy to others, and ultimately, a grim reminder of a period that should never be forgotten.