Originally posted by Tom C.
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i think me and Nigel will have to try and hide somewhere so we can stay up later
Well, here is the best translation I could muster for Herr Urich's document titled "Mein Soldatischer Werdegang - My Soldier Career"
He uses no fan-fair, no hype, just facts about his career. I would love to have had the opportunity to sit with him and discuss his exploits. He was obviously an amazing soldier and man.
"I possess good theoretical and practical knowledge as a professional soldier. This I have done in peace and in war as a team leader, serving at a high level, and have completed many courses as a participant and as instructor and have been appointed as an Officer. During the war I was on all fronts as a paratrooper and gained good experience. Now, as a trainer I would certainly be invaluable.
In 1937 I was in infantry training. Upon completion, I filed a request for training in an airforce career. The medical check examination and psychological examination on suitability to become a pilot was very good. Since all aircraft, training schools were full, I was given a preliminary training as ground staff in the Air Force. Since I was not able to join the flying personnel I submitted a second request this time for a parachute career. The investigation was approved by the medical check and I was found to be suitable, then a second psychological examination for parachute suitability was completed. Then came my transfer to the parachute troops at Stendal. At the parachute school in Wittstock (Dosse) I received good athletic training. I learned to pack the parachutes, parachute jumping and I also performed my 6 compulsory jumps, including 4 daytime jumps, one at dusk and one nighttime jump. Afterwards, I received special training at Stendal as a pioneer, in artillery, grenade launching, sub-machine guns, etc. Also, I attended an Non-commissioned officer course, and after completion became an officer candidate.
In 1940 I took a strength of 30 paratroopers on a deployment in part of Norway. Our mission was to capture the Norwegian king. We did not succeed though. We were able to capture parts of Hamar, an army headquarters and by a great trick, the Norwegian Akershus Regiment. At night we had a fire fight in the forest near Elverum with a Norwegian Ski Btl. We were able to take some prisoners. My own failures, 2 dead. There, I received the Iron Cross 2nd Class. Thereafter a jump mission into Holland and the battle for the Meuse bridges-bunker area and city of Dordrecht. For special merit in the bunker destruction I received the EKI and was Promoted to Unteroffizier. After Holland came the jump into Narvik. Fighting on the Swedish-Narvik iron ore railway and in the mountains against an enemy superior in strength by 10 to 1. (Awarded Narvik shield) Thereafter, training and reorganization in Stendal.
1941 - jumped into Kreta into the battle for the airport at Heraklion. (Kreta cufftitle) Then, reorganization and training because of the fallen in Crete from II Btl. In Tangermünde (Elbe). There I participated in a platoon leader course. Promoted to Feldwebel. In the fall of 1941 I was fighting in Russia. The Russians were beginning to break out of the cauldron of Leningrad. We boarded the planes and flew to Russia. At night we took counter attacks. The Russians stood. From my company, besides the dead and wounded there were 6 men left. I was able to hold our position with the 6 men for one day and one night organizing the replacements and was recommended for the German Cross in Gold. It was rejected because I was in Btl. 1, which was filed with the German Cross in Gold.
Then we went to France by railway transport. In France, began again reorganization and training. In autumn 1942 through February 1943, I again took part in the missions as a platoon leader in Russia. We began in the Vitebsk area with missions against the partisans then fought in the middle section. I was used mainly as a patrol leader for the reconnaissance force. Promoted to Oberfeldwebel. As the Army Reserve we were thrown to the focal (hot) points. (Luftwaffe Ground Assault Badge)
In March 1943 we went back to the reorganization and training in France. I was back as an instructor of the Division platoon leader course. Then came my officer cadet selection. Afterwards, I graduated from the Military Academy with the qualification "very good." Subsequent appointment with retroactive effect from (Oberfähnrich) senior cadet to Leutnant. After the war school I was training as a unit leader in Utersen and Wittstock.
In the winter I went to Italy as an infantry company leader in fighting on the Italian front. (Cassino, German Cross in Gold) Then posted to a Regimental Combat school and participated in the Heeresgruppen-Waffenschule O.B. Southwest.
In April 1945, we had to surrender to the Italian partisans, because we had no more ammunition. After many days we were liberated by American soldiers and taken to a prisoner camp. Here began interrogation after interrogation. Because I had committed no crimes and was not a Nazi I was released from captivity in October 1945.
For proof of the correctness of my disclosures, I have 10 witnesses."
well i wake up and read this what a man 
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