David Lucero’s Reviews > The Fall of Eben Emael: The Daring Airborne Assault that Sealed the Fate of France: May 1940 > Status Update

The Belgian defenders become demoralized as German glidermen overwhelm them. Panzers approach the strategic bridges the Belgian fort was supposed to destroy, but failed. With supplies and access to operating guns, the Belgian commander must decide if they should surrender or simply retreat, leaving the fort in the hands of the enemy.

The Germans gain control on top of the fort, but the surprised Belgians do not give up easily.

The gliders are off, but Lt. Witzig reaches a troubling part.

The paratroopers are off, flying in gliders for a daring assault that if successful will seal the fate of Europe.

General Kurt Student is asked by Hitler of the possibility of using gliders for military strikes. Student thinks about this and decides it is a feasible idea. Lucky for the Allies Hitler did not have too many men like Student in his cadre.

I can't begin to tell you how long I've had this book on my shelves. I began on May 11, which oddly is the date (May 11, 1940) when the actual raid took place. I'm familiar with what happened, but always wanted to learn more about the details of the raid, and so far the book is highly interesting.