OPERATION KNIGHT'S MOVE German Airborne Raid Against Tito, 25 May 1944

With Unternehmen Rösselsprung (Operation Knight's Move), the late Yugoslav president's career might have been ended by the Germans on his 52d birthday, 25 May 1944. On that date, Axis forces executed an airborne raid on the Yugoslav Partisan high command at Drvar, Bosnia, that almost succeeded in eliminating Tito. Today, it provides an example of using light infantry in low-intensity or special operations, with unforeseen consequences similar to those experienced by others against irregular opponents.

The Studies in Battle series from Marine Corps University Press presents cases for analysis from across the military spectrum that have relevance for current operations and professional military education, particularly for junior leaders. The books also tell a good story that can be read with interest by all.

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