Black Edelweiss by Johann Voss

A memoir written by a volunteer soldier of the Waffen-SS, who fought with the 11th Gebirgsjäger Regiment, when he was a POW under the US Army from 1945 to 1946. What is especially interesting about this particular piece is that it was written when his memories were fresh, and not given half a decade to rattle around in his brain along with other knowledge gained about the war after it happened until he puts his thoughts to paper. Voss gives his account of life in the Third Reich and his exposure to National Socialism prior to his involvement in the war, significant moments in combat in northern Karelia and on the Western front, as well as brief reflections during his time as a POW.

What is absolutely astounding about this memoir is how truthful Voss is to himself and to the men he fought with. His writing provokes questions and thoughts that cannot be answered or addressed easily, which gives you all the more reason to read his story.

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