35. A German Detachment Allied with American GIs
Major Sepp Gangl managed to locate a reconnaissance unit of the American 12th Armored Division in the town of Kufstein, about 8 miles away. It consisted of four Sherman tanks, led by US Army Captain Jack Lee. Gangl approached the Americans under a white flag, explained the situation, and asked for help. Lee immediately sprang into action. He secured permission from his superiors to lead a rescue mission, then hopped into Gangl’s car to conduct a personal reconnaissance of Castle Itter with the German officer.
Captain Lee requisitioned more tanks and troops from a nearby unit and headed to Itter. However, his advance was halted by a rickety bridge. Lee was forced to leave most of his force behind, while pressing on with his tank, Besotten Jenny, and 14 American GIs. They were accompanied by Major Gangl, plus eleven German soldiers. En route, they attacked and defeated an SS detachment manning a roadblock. Upon reaching Itter Castle, Captain Lee deployed his men in defensive positions, and placed his tank at the main entrance. The stage was set for one of the strangest battles of the war.