Yeah, I remember when I first learned about them (back in 1974 -- from playing a boardgame called "War in the East") it was a bit of a surprise as well. I mean, I knew they were a puppet state, but I had no idea they'd actually fielded combat units! [:)]

<t> Just for the record, Slovakia was a minor ally (puppet) state of Germany's and Slovakian forces participated in the invasion of Poland, the occupation of Poland, Barbarossa, and subsequently in anti-partisan fighting against Soviet partisans. Eventually, Slovakian forces were withdrawn to ...