The 17th Waffen-SS Panzergrenadier Division "Gotz von Berlichingen" was one of the few SS formations to be employed exclusively on the western front during World War II. From the time of its formation in France in 1943, "Gotz von Berlichingen" saw bitter and bloody fighting in Normandy, the Seine front, Metz, the Saar, the Palatinate, and later the defense of the west wall until the final battles in Germany. Despite the overwhelming superiority of Allied forces, the units that comprised the division always managed to offer dogged resistance, counterattacking ferociously, and defending every foot of ground with great courage and determination. The units of "Gotz von Berlichingen" received praise, not only from the German high command, but also earned the respect of its Allied adversaries. In addition, the "Gotz von Berlichingen" division was never involved in any war crimes, or in crimes against civilians. Detailed operational history, rare combat images, maps, and personality profiles make this book the definitive history of "Gotz von Berlichingen." AUTHOR: Massimiliano Afiero is a historical researcher on the Axis forces of the Second World War, and for at least thirty years has contributed to numerous military history magazines, publishing hundreds of articles and about thirty books, with particular emphasis on Waffen-SS units. SELLING POINTS: . Complete history of the 17th Waffen-SS Panzergrenadier Division "Gotz von Berlichingen" in WWII . Fought on the western front from its formation in 1943, through Normandy, and the defense of the Reich . Contains operational history, rare combat images, maps, and personality profiles 682 b/w images