Useful Terms

AbwehrGerman military intelligence agency that operated before and during WWII—until early 1944, when Hitler turned all Secret Service activities over to the SS

FeldwebelNoncommissioned officer in the German Army; rank similar to a sergeant in the US Army

G-2Intelligence staff in the US Army

GefreiterSoldier in the German Army; rank similar to a private in the US Army

HauptmannOfficer in the German Army; rank similar to a captain in the US Army

HauptsturmführerOfficer in the Gestapo; rank similar to a captain in the US Army

MiliceFrench police. Their main task was to find and arrest the French Resistance. They generally cooperated with the Gestapo

OberleutnantOfficer in the German Army; rank similar to a first lieutenant in the US Army

OberstOfficer in the German Army; rank similar to a colonel in the US Army

ObersturmführerOfficer in the Gestapo; rank similar to a first lieutenant in the US Army

OSSOffice of Strategic Services. US intelligence and sabotage agency that operated from June 1942–January 1946

RAFRoyal Air Force (British)

SHAEFSupreme Headquarters, Allied Expeditionary Force. Headed by General Eisenhower, this group planned the Normandy invasion

SOESpecial Operations Executive. British intelligence and sabotage agency that operated from July 1940–January 1946

StandartenführerOfficer in the Gestapo; rank similar to a colonel in the US Army

SturmmannStormtrooper in the Gestapo