Otto Skorzeny was born into a middle-class family in Vienna, Austria, on June 12, 1908. As a student he distinguished himself in scientific topics, and after graduating he enlisted at the University of Vienna as an engineering student. His great passion was fencing. He joined the University fencing team and during a match he received the prominent scar on his cheek, known in German as a ‘Schmiss’ which was then a coveted mark of bravery among German and Austrian youth.