Video - The Battle of Crete: Hitler's Last Airborne Campaign

May 20, 1941: The skies over Crete darken with Nazi paratroopers. History unfolds as the first major airborne invasion begins. German soldiers rain down on the Greek island, met by fierce Allied resistance. Day one sees heavy German losses, their plans almost derailed. But the Allies, fearing a sea assault, make a fatal error. They withdraw from key positions, giving the Germans a foothold. For 12 grueling days, Crete becomes a battleground. Allied forces fight valiantly alongside British troops. Despite their efforts, the island falls. Allied forces evacuate in defeat, leaving Crete under Nazi occupation. Hitler, shocked by the casualties, declares "the day of the parachutist is over." This marks Germany's last major airborne campaign.