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by Martin Herzog.
Hardback (6.3×9.3 inches). 275 pages. 2025 reprint of 2022 book.
Subtitle: The Birth of Germany’s Counterterrorism Force
During the 1972 Olympics, terrorists took Israeli athletes hostage, catching the German police force flatfooted. Amid amateur hour up and down the German government, the Israelis were killed. Germany decided to form a professional anti-terrorist unit GSG 9, which roughly stands for German Border Police Unit Number 9.
This book covers from 1972 to the present day, examining the criteria needed for a special operations force, organization, political interactions, recruitment, equipment, and training. The Germans relied on the Israelis for advice.
In 1977, a hijacked Lufthansa passenger jet gave the unit its first real test. The GSG leaders followed the jet across the Mediterranean and to Mogadishu Airport in Somalia. Calling in the rest of the unit, they put their training into practice.
The book contains 29 black and white photos, 35 color photos, and one black and white map of the aircraft and 1977 rescue operation. You will have all you need to make a scenario of the situation, including a number of alternative events that could have changed the outcome.
GSG 9 rescued all 86 passengers, although some were wounded, and all but one of the terrorists were killed. The fourth was wounded and taken into custody. While the middle section of political infighting offers the kind of detail needed for a comprehensive account, it wasn’t the most interesting prose. Yet once GSG 9 gets the signal to begin rescue operations, it’s as taut as a thriller novel.
Enjoyed it.
— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
