Translator’s Note (German Ranks)

The Paratroop Arm had a basic rank of Fallschirmjäger or Jäger (equal to a trained private soldier). Many members of SA Koch were volunteers recruited and/or co-opted from other branches of the Luftwaffe and Army, and while serving with SA Koch retained their original ranks. Thus we have Flieger and Gefreite (private soldiers), also Obergefreite (senior privates, non-NCO). A glider pilot co-opted into SA Koch would be awarded an Airforce rank.

The lowest paratroop NCO rank was Oberjäger (corporal), Unteroffizier if the holder of the rank came from another branch. The next NCO ranks up were Feldwebel (sergeant), Oberfeldwebel (senior sergeant) and Stabsfeldwebel(Staff sergeant). No higher rank than Stabsfeldwebel served at the Albert Canal before the officer grades Leutnant (2nd Lieutenant), Oberleutnant (Lieutenant), and Hauptmann (captain).