Otto Skorzeny: The Most Dangerous Man in Europe 

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This guy played WW2 on the hardest difficulty. How he managed to survive all those incidents is insane.

“WHO DO YOU WORK FOR?!?” “Everyone.”

Skorzeny being recruited by the Mossad is my favorite espionage story ever.

I actually have quite an interesting story from my grandfather about Skorzeny. When he was very young living in Vienna, I’m told my grandfather actually met Skorzeny in a café and they talked. My grandfather said something along the lines of: “Otto, if you are not going to be a special man in the future, I don’t know who is”. Skorzeny replied: “ Stop believing all the bs the people in the RU-vid comment section write about supposed stories of their grandpa having met nazi war criminals.” End of the story…

Possibly "the more dangerous man", but surely "the most dynamic man." His life deserves a movie.

This dude makes James Bond look like Johnny English!

"So Otto, you participated in Barbarossa?" "Das Reich"

How on earth nobody never made a film about this man's life,it will be truly an epic.

My friend: "Avengers is the most ambitious crossover event in history." Otto Skorzeny: "Hold my bier."

I would agree he was very dangerous, he appears to have worked all sides with some of the most dangerous intelligence services in the world and yet still made it to old age. He was clearly a master of disinformation and was likely never killed because no one appears to know who he really worked for and also because he was likely a bit of a badass and not easy to kill.

Here's a family anecqdote: my father met in person with Skorzeny when he was a boy. Skorzeny came several times to my granny's aunt home, in Madrid, for picking his wife, who went there for the testing of bespoke dressings sewed by them - they run a home-based tailoring business for posh ladies. My father is a tall man (1,85m) and was a tall teenager, but he claims to have been impressed by the imponent stature of this guy.

I genuinely don't understand how one person can simultaneously have dead eyes and also the eyes of someone who will never die....it's baffling...

You know Skorzeny was interesting by the fact that his SS career and WW2 is barely half the video.

Gotta admit, that scar is badass.

CIA "Lets use a Nazi, he's not an ex-Nazi, still totally a Nazi, to kidnap the leader of a sovereign nation." JFK: "Yeah we're not gonna do that..."

No joke or spoilers. This might be one of the most fascinating episodes in Biographics.

This man was in it for the thrill and survived until his old age.

It was Otto's paratroopers that were the inspiration for David Stirling to model the nascent SAS upon; mobile, skilled, and capable of improvisation around any basic plan with great flexibility to ensure success with a very small number of men. Skorzeny wasn't happy with the high profile he'd attained because it prevented him from getting proper medical care for the cancer that ultimately killed him. A most remarkable man and a most remarkable life.

5:19 - It wasn't to steal anyone's thunder. Skorzeny says in his memoirs that had Mussolini somehow not made it back, he would have had to commit suicide. This is why he flew in the plane with Mussolini the entire way, even though it was only designed for one person.

Me: who do you work for? Otto: yes

He didn‘t join the „fencing team“. He was in a Burschenschaft. These are German fraternities that practice fencing with sharp blades.

Ah the guy who couldn’t be put on trail without making the allies seem like humongous hypocrites

Surprisingly, with the copious amount of documentaries I’ve watched about WWII, the literature I’ve read about WWII, and the various news reels I’ve seen from WWII - I’ve never heard of this guy. Thanks @Biographics for sharing this!

We need to get Otto Skorzeny on Joe Rogan.

CIA: "Can you work for us?" Skorzeny: "You know I'm a little too busy."

Thank you!! Another well documented video! Skorzeny definitely had an interesting life, to say the least! Keep up the great work you do, Simon & all who are involved with Biographics! Cheers!

"He jumped into Iran packed with gold and explosives" Ouch.

He most employed guy in europe.

I once read a biography of Otto Skorzeny, formerly an officer of the Waffen SS, German Third Reich. It was entitled, "Commando Extraordinary", written sometime in the 1960s, and may by now be out of print. At any rate, the writing was done after WW-II, when Skorzeny was living in Madrid. He was interviewed at least once by the author, and the book was written with his personal cooperation. Its title was "Commando Extraordinary". I don't remember who wrote it (I was a kid.), but it was well-written. I thought It was clear that the author had to an extent fallen under the Skorzeny's charm, which was known to be exceptional. He described his first meeting with Skorzeny, who arrived late for the meeting, apologizing for his tardiness. The author arose from the table, arm outstretched for a handshake. As he did so, he noticed that many of the other diners had paused in their meals, staring blatantly up at Skorzeny as he passed. The author admits, somewhat grudgingly, "And so, from my six feet, did I." Skorzeny is described as standing between 6'3" and 6'4" tall. Startlingly, he denies ever having been an ardent Nazi. Instead, he states that he saw himself as an ardent anticommunist, and if that constituted being a Nazi, then he had always been a Nazi, and he still was. He was proud of having been in the Waffen SS, which he completely dissociated from the heavily, if not totally, SS-run concentration camps. He dismissed those SS members linked to them simply as executioners. I got the impression that he was contemptuous of them, but his feelings toward them, and Hitler, are not recorded. The vid does not describe many of Skorzeny's postwar activities, e.g., his purely combat actions in Vietnam against the Viet Minh/Viet Cong, whom he describes as "the same enemy in a different uniform", but describes the French Foreign Legionnaires (who were in Vietnam before Americans were involved there), as "magnificent fighters". He describes, with obvious pride, using the communists' own tactics against them, and winning. For example, he would tie the families of the enemy to his tanks to stop their attacks, goading them to utter impotent fury at their inability to do anything about it but stop fighting and go home. He is contemptuous of South Vietnamese soldiers. Period. Having seen this vid, which I think is also very well done, it is interesting to compare the book and the vid, and see what each leaves out of picture. The book doesn't mention his pride in the third world army troopers he trained after the war. His describes them, before training as useless. After training, he says simply, "You could incorporate the into any army in the world, without further drilling". The vid includes a far larger account of Skorzeny's interactions with the German Army brass, and in passing, with Hitler himself.. But most importantly, the vid describes the virtually unbelievable range of countries and organizations for which he conducted clandestine operations at the close of the war, and afterward. I didn't take notes. But they included the Mossad (Israel) and the NKVD (USSR). As for the OSS (USA), again, surprisingly, not much of anything. I think the grand total of espionage customers he had was somewhere around nine or ten. He must have worked like a banshee screams. He may have been a grandmaster at time management. It seems that much, or most, or all of these jobs must have been done simultaneously. Maybe he just didn't breathe, and I don't recall any reference to a family. I am a psychiatrist and a neuropsychologist. I would like to have had his only client, l sometimes merely the most important. For a while, I wondered whether he had ever felt empathy, or even sympathy, for another person. MAYBE HE DID: He didn't kill the villagers he had kidnapped and used as shields. He let them go home. MAYBE HE DIDN'T: He didn't kill his hostage families after the battle was won. But he didn't need to; it would accomplish nothing other than further uniting the furious enemy fighters, and pissing them off even further, maybe even to the the point of death by proxy, in battle. 0 This man was like an onion: a little deeper, and you will find something completely different.

“You help us out German scientists in Egypt and we won’t kill you” “Ok”

Otto Skorzeney was responsible for setting up the American special forces (a.k.a. "Green Berets"). President John F. Kennedy invited him to the White House and made the offer to him to set up a training school at Bad Toltz, West Germany 🇩🇪. The school was later moved to the United States at Fort Bragg, North Carolina where it remains to this very day.

Sounds like a real life James Bond. He’s not in it for the money just the adrenaline rush.

Funniest conversation in history: Eichmann: "Mossad is headhunting me..." Skorzeny: "Me too..."

This episode was particularly interesting. And the music was perfect, thanks Simon for this delight. 😊

I sometimes find your pieces a bit “light” in substance, but this one was great. Best to date. I am impressed how much content you crank (read) out every day.

So it sounds like he became a double quadruple octagonal agent!

“So you’re telling me hitler put him in charge of a tank division” “Das Reich” 2:05

I bet this guy lectures the CIA, KGB and Mossad on how to be a 'proper' agent and he might have played a bigger role in the Cold War. Despite him being a Nazi and an SS, I respect him for doing his profession well above all

I've been watching WWII videos on youtube for 15 years and there always seems to be another amazing story i haven't discovered yet. That war was so packed with extraordinary events, it's mind boggling.

Tito was such a badass even Otto Skorzeny couldn't kill him

Think you know everything about the letter T? That’s just the half of IT.

Hands down my favorite Biographics video.

These doco-specials are highly informative, absolutely fascinating. They were frightening times. Moreover, These specials should be televised frequently.

15:45 This level of research is why I love this channel, deep digging and fact checking, superb, you guys are awesome, thanks for all you do!

Otto Skorzeny: The poster boy for multi-class employment.

you got a perfect voice for these episodes. And, your research and presentations are worthy of some sort of medal.

FANTASTIC true story - but you tell it so well... Otto Skorzeny's life needs to be a Hollywood film... wow

Netflix needs to make a show about this guy's life.

This is one channel I know I can give a thumbs up even before watching it.

The dude's name sounds like a mix of a generic German bad guy and a generic Russian bad guy, of course he's gonna be the most dangerous man.

Great stuff and very informative. My father WWII veteran James T. Morgan, 100 years old, passed 25 March 2020. After WWII he was a CIC agent. During the 1940s he operated in New York City. Later 1951-58 we were a spy family in Bavaria. As a young boy met famous and infamous people in our German home. To me they were dad's friends. Dad was aware of Skorzeny but not his play pen, I think. You mentioned JFK. In 1963 some one tipped off the CIC about a hit. My father most definitely is not Secret Service. Yet, for several days he and another trusted agent Al, "took Kennedy's limo apart." They were looking for 'bugs and bombs.' I asked, last year, who ordered you to to do this? He replied, "I can't remember." I said , dad why was the CIC trying to protect Kennedy? He said, "orders from above." Bye-the-way, dad 'encountered' Skorzeny and friends during the Battle of the Bulge.

Otto Skorzeny's career: embracing diversity decades before the millenials.

Keep up the amazing work Simon! I'm constantly impressed by the quality of your content, your eloquence, and your presentation. It is inspiring to accompany your work. Take care!

Skill Level: I'm too young to die Hey, not too rough Hurt me plenty Ultra-Violence Nightmare! Otto Skorzeny!

After this guy was captured, my grandfather was tasked to interrogate him for the first time. According to my grandad, he was crazy intimidating in person.

he protecc he attacc but most importantly he most dangerous man in europe

I love your WW2 videos! Such an interesting part of history. Thanks Simon 👍

Wow! Hard to keep the pace. Excellent bio.

Each of the biographic episodes are fascinating, thorough in their research, and informative. These historical figures are in some cases frequently talked about. While some are read about in the pages of history books. Simon Whistler is engaging.

I've read a lot of books on Otto Skorzeny and I didn't even know all of this stuff, excellent video!

Film worthy bloke! He's always been intriguing to me.

That was absolutely fascinating.

As an "expat" i was very surprised to learn of this man several years ago (not something learned in the usa) very fascinating and bravo, I am very glad to see this bio.

I just want y'all to know that I was here when the title read : "Otto Skorzeny: he Most Dangerous Man in Europe" . You have been blessed with this knowledge, use it wisely!

Interesting video Simmy! I can't wait to see your biography at one million subscribers!

I think that this is the first biographics video that I'll have to watch 3 or 4 times!

This is one of my favorite episodes of Biographics. I really love the different layers of Otto. Who did he really work for? Everyone. It's just so interesting to think that he worked for the USSR from the beginning.

Biographics: he entire comment section:

Great video! I'd love to see one about Simon Wiesenthal.

Your best Simon. Have watched many many times ,will many more times. This is a lot to take in ,hence, watching , yet, again.

My dad met him, when he worked in a popular Bank, in Madrid ( in the early 60's). He attended Otto several times, and he can remember his scar and that strong austrian accent ( always very elegant). A lot of transfers, money etc ( ODESSA? Israel ?)

This guy deserves a movie or a series of his own

It looks like his fencing partner didn’t “schmiss” his face !

The soundtrack for this one is on point! 👌

Great job and thanks for your service wow i love how this guy works making this documentaries

mercenary: noun. 'a soldier who fights for any country or group that pays them'. Cambridge Dictionary

Johnny sins, is apparently also a historian now...

Those dueling scars are absolutely badass

How many sides do you want to join? Otto Skorzeny: yes

So dangerous that he did the ultimate crime.... Flipping road signs.

Glad Marty finally made his way to the U.S. shores. Skorzany sure made some great movies with Robert Di Nero. Taxi Driver and Raging Bull were great movies. Martin Skorzany made many other great movies also 👍🏼

Thank you knowledge moby for this knowledge

Skorzeny was a true badass. His life would be perfect for a movie.

I love the research done for this video. I think we need a video on Wiesenthal next. A few other people to include Chiang Kai Shek, who is a pivotal figure in Chinese history, Ariel Dahl from pilot to spy to children’s author, and Grant Morrison comic luminary and drug enthusiast.

How a movie is not made of this mans life is beyond me. But we a Ghost Busters remake????go figure.

Too funny! I just finished watching Mark Felton's video of Otto Skorzeny! Now I got to hear more about him from you! By the way, I love your channel!!

thanks

This man needs a movie

Man played WW2 on insane difficulty and carried on

I have a genuine love for all the facts you dish out on all you channels man hi5 and long may it all continue. You have made me interested an world history on many different levels and I thank you. Keep up the good work!

Great video

I know it's a lot to ask but please could you do a biography on Albert Speer when it's convenient? Love your content :)

Skorzeny was there, before we knew James Bond and Solid Snake.

I love your channel!! Im hooked on watching videos..

Fabulous!

He was a good opportunist and that's why he survived that long

0:20 - Chapter 1 - The most dangerous man in Vienna 1:15 - Chapter 2 - The most dangerous man in Berlin 3:05 - Chapter 3 - The most dangerous man in a glider 11:15 - Chapter 4 - The most dangerous man in Madrid 12:40 - Chapter 5 - The most dangerous man in Tel Aviv 15:15 - Chapter 6 - The most dangerous man in a FOIA search engine 19:50 - Chapter 7 - The most dangerous man is no more

Thank you for detailed info about Skorzeny about whom I have read only in reference to his rescue operation of Massouleni from Hill fortress in Italy.

Just subscribed to your channel. Love it.