The definitive story of Germany's legendary counter-terrorism unit-its origins, triumphs, and ongoing legacy in the fight against global terrorism.
The first comprehensive English-language history of GSG 9, tracing its origins, daring missions, and evolution into an elite counterterrorism force.
In October 1977, an unknown German police unit made global headlines by storming a hijacked Lufthansa airliner in Mogadishu, Somalia. Operatives of GSG 9 freed 86 hostages, eliminated three of the four terrorists, and emerged with a near-total victory. This daring rescue left the world in awe, including the U.S. military. President Carter asked, Do we have the same capability as the West Germans? The answer was no-and it was this realization that impelled the creation of Delta Force.
This gripping book is the first comprehensive English-language history of GSG 9, tracing its roots back to the 1972 Munich Olympics Massacre, which exposed the world's unpreparedness for modern terrorism. Formed in the aftermath, GSG 9 quickly evolved from a fledgling unit housed in makeshift barracks to an elite force. Author and journalist Martin Herzog draws from extensive research, German and international archives, and interviews with GSG 9 veterans and active members, including recent commander Robert Hemmerling. This deeply researched narrative chronicles GSG 9's humble beginnings, the vision of its founder Ulrich Wegener, and the evolving strategies that have made the unit one of the best in the world. Covering the rigorous training, recruitment, and modern-day operations of GSG 9, this book offers readers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of one of the most respected special operations forces in the world.
AUTHOR: Martin was born in Aachen, Germany, in the summer of 1972, mere weeks before the fatal terror attacks on the Olympic Games in Munich that eventually led to the inception of GSG 9. When they accomplished their great feat in Mogadishu five years later, Martin was still not particularly interested in Germany's first counter-terror force. That changed after he finished studying philosophy, politics and history in Cologne and started working as journalist and producer for public broadcasters and national media outlets, specializing in historical subjects. He has covered the history of GSG 9 time and again for various historical radio and tv programs. In 2022, he published the first complete history of this elite police unit, GSG9-ein deutscher Mythos. Martin lives in Cologne with his partner and cat. In his spare time, he can be found in his kitchen stirring pots, scuba diving off some remote island, sailplaning at his local airfield, or in the rehearsal room with his amateur acoustic pop combo.
SELLING POINTS: .
First comprehensive account of GSG 9's origins and operations. .
GSG 9 became a model for elite forces worldwide, including Delta Force, shaping the development of modern special operations units. .
Covers GSG 9's key moments, from its formation after the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre to its legendary hostage rescue in Mogadishu during the German Autumn of 1977. .
GSG 9's rise is interwoven with the political and social challenges of 1970s West Germany, making this book crucial for understanding post-war German politics and its response to the terrorist threat. .
GSG 9's flawless rescue of 86 hostages in Somalia is a defining moment in both German and global counter-terrorism efforts, marking a new era in special operations. .
The narrative is built on thorough archival research and interviews with founding GSG 9 veterans, and recent commanders, offering authentic insights into the unit's inner workings.
By:
Martin Herzog
Imprint: Casemate Publishers
Country of Publication: United States [Currently unable to ship to USA: see Shipping Info]
Dimensions:
Height: 229mm,
Width: 152mm,
ISBN: 9781636245720
ISBN 10: 1636245722
Pages: 328
Publication Date: 01 September 2025
Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Unspecified
Foreword Chapter 1: The Early Years Chapter 2: ROTC 1936–40 Chapter 3: Active-Duty Mobilization, 1940–44 Chapter 4: Germany, WWII, 1944–45 Chapter 5: German Occupation WWII with Family, 1945–47 Chapter 6: Indian Staff College in New Delhi & UN Observer in Kashmir, 1950–52 Chapter 7: Deputy G-2, Executive Officer & 17th Infantry Regiment, Commander 5 May–4 June 7th Infantry Division. Korea, 1952–53 Chapter 8: Infantry Tactics Instructor, Fort Benning, GA: 1953–57 / Army War College, Carlisle, PA, 1957–58 Chapter 9: Staff & Commander 1st Airborne Battle Group 505th, Mainz and Bad Kreuznach, Federal Republic of Germany, 1958–61 Chapter 10: Executive Officer, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff, Washington, DC, 1962–64 Chapter 11: II Corps Senior Advisor MACV & Deputy Commander, 1st Brigade 101st Airborne Division, Vietnam, 1964–66 Chapter 12: Assistant Division Commander, 82nd Airborne Division, Ft. Bragg, 1967–68 Chapter 13: Chief Army Military Advisor Group Iran, 1968–70 Chapter 14: Return to Vietnam, 1970 as DCG and Acting CG Americal Division, and the MEDT-C, Cambodia, 1971–72 Chapter 15: Singapore 1972–75 Chapter 17: The Organization and Operation of The Committee for a Free Afghanistan and Field Advisor, 1983–89 Chapter 18: The Later Years
Martin was born in Aachen, Germany, in the summer of 1972, mere weeks before the fatal terror attacks on the Olympic Games in Munich that eventually led to the inception of GSG 9. When they accomplished their great feat in Mogadishu five years later, Martin was still not particularly interested in Germany’s first counter-terror force. That changed after he finished studying philosophy, politics and history in Cologne and started working as journalist and producer for public broadcasters and national media outlets, specializing in historical subjects. He has covered the history of GSG 9 time and again for various historical radio and tv programs. In 2022, he published the first complete history of this elite police unit, GSG9—ein deutscher Mythos. Martin lives in Cologne with his partner and cat. In his spare time, he can be found in his kitchen stirring pots, scuba diving off some remote island, sailplaning at his local airfield, or in the rehearsal room with his amateur acoustic pop combo.
