We're looking at two new releases from Stoessi's Heroes this morning as they continue to look at individuals from both sides of the conflict, heroes in their own right. The first of these is US Airborne Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Vandervoort.

You might recognise this fellow as he was portrayed by John Wayne in The Longest Day. In reality, he was just as cool, if not cooler, than his movie counterpart. He broke his ankle during his landing in Europe but still led his men in defending Sainte-Mère-Église.

He was said to be “one of the bravest and toughest battle commanders I ever knew” which is quite the accolade. A pretty impressive character and someone you would want to work into your Airborne force on the tabletop.

Daring Otto

As well as the character from the Allied side we've also got a new addition for the Germans. Here is Otto Skorzeny, Hitler's go-to man when it came to special operations.

Skorzeny earned the grudging respect of his enemies during the war and he was even labelled the "most dangerous man in Europe" by British Military Intelligence. One of his most daring operations was the rescue of the deposed dictator Benito Mussolini.

He and his men infiltrated the mountain-top hotel where Mussolini was being held captive by descending on gliders. They then overwhelmed the Italian guards and escaped with the dictator in quick fashion. For his daring and bravery, he was then paraded before the media alongside Mussolini for all to see.

Skorzeny was quite the character, sporting a rather impressive scar across his face which you can see represented on the miniature. His prowess led to him working in Egypt, alongside Mossad, and eventually ending up in Argentina as both an advisor and a bodyguard.

Whilst it's not often that we see German 'heroes' being given such a spotlight on the tabletop I think it is important to know about those who fought on both sides of the conflict. It certainly conjures up fascinating scenarios for the tabletop.

Would you run the rescue of Mussolini on the tabletop?