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These are the user uploaded subtitles that are being translated: 1 00:00:03,461 --> 00:00:06,214 May 1945. 2 00:00:06,214 --> 00:00:08,925 During the final days of war in Europe, 3 00:00:09,009 --> 00:00:10,802 an American tank commander 4 00:00:10,802 --> 00:00:13,263 leads an unlikely band of U.S. and German soldiers... 5 00:00:16,433 --> 00:00:20,228 to rescue French VIPs held in an Austrian castle. 6 00:00:21,813 --> 00:00:24,441 As he organizes their defenses... 7 00:00:24,441 --> 00:00:27,152 Lee's strategy is to keep the SS guessing 8 00:00:27,152 --> 00:00:30,530 about the disposition of forces inside the castle. 9 00:00:30,530 --> 00:00:33,742 They don't know he's only got 25 men and three officers. 10 00:00:35,160 --> 00:00:38,496 But when Waffen SS forces attack, 11 00:00:38,621 --> 00:00:41,791 he cannot be sure where their loyalty will stand. 12 00:00:45,295 --> 00:00:48,131 On June 6, 1944, 13 00:00:48,131 --> 00:00:51,259 Allied forces finally land troops in Normandy 14 00:00:51,259 --> 00:00:53,470 to open the Western Front. 15 00:00:59,059 --> 00:01:01,102 But Nazi fanatics and diehards 16 00:01:01,186 --> 00:01:03,229 continue to fight ruthlessly for survival. 17 00:01:07,776 --> 00:01:09,527 D-Day was a battle. 18 00:01:10,904 --> 00:01:13,698 The Allies still need to win the war. 19 00:01:22,248 --> 00:01:24,751 May 4, 1945. 20 00:01:25,460 --> 00:01:27,253 Tyrol, Austria. 21 00:01:38,181 --> 00:01:40,934 German Army major Josef Gangl and his driver 22 00:01:40,934 --> 00:01:44,020 near the town of Kufstein, 23 00:01:44,104 --> 00:01:46,940 occupied just the day before by American troops. 24 00:01:48,566 --> 00:01:51,820 German resistance has more or less collapsed. 25 00:01:51,820 --> 00:01:55,907 But it has not yet surrendered. 26 00:01:55,907 --> 00:01:59,744 German troops are withdrawing to the Alpine region, 27 00:01:59,828 --> 00:02:02,539 where there is this myth of this Alpine Fortress, 28 00:02:02,539 --> 00:02:04,624 the last stand of the Nazis. 29 00:02:10,505 --> 00:02:12,507 As they turn a corner, 30 00:02:12,799 --> 00:02:16,177 they come face to face with four U.S. Sherman tanks. 31 00:02:21,474 --> 00:02:22,559 Out of the car. 32 00:02:29,149 --> 00:02:30,275 Alright. What do you want? 33 00:02:32,569 --> 00:02:34,529 On the surface, 34 00:02:34,529 --> 00:02:37,699 it may look like Gangl is one of thousands of German soldiers 35 00:02:37,699 --> 00:02:39,576 surrendering to Western Allies. 36 00:02:39,576 --> 00:02:41,494 Whoa, whoa, whoa! 37 00:02:41,578 --> 00:02:43,830 But Gangl has come to Kufstein on a mission. 38 00:02:45,665 --> 00:02:47,709 It may be risky. 39 00:02:49,210 --> 00:02:50,670 Days prior, 40 00:02:50,670 --> 00:02:52,088 the U.S. Army began to liberate 41 00:02:52,172 --> 00:02:55,592 the nearby Dachau prison camp system. 42 00:02:56,217 --> 00:02:57,802 After witnessing the atrocities, 43 00:02:57,886 --> 00:02:59,762 many of the soldiers were of the opinion 44 00:02:59,846 --> 00:03:01,890 that they simply weren't in the business of taking prisoners anymore. 45 00:03:03,850 --> 00:03:06,644 But Gangl has joined the Austrian Resistance 46 00:03:06,728 --> 00:03:09,689 to help defeat the Nazis from within the Third Reich. 47 00:03:15,528 --> 00:03:18,323 Gangl is taken to Lieutenant Jack Lee, 48 00:03:18,573 --> 00:03:22,202 commander of Company B, 23rd Tank Battalion, 49 00:03:22,202 --> 00:03:25,121 U.S. 12th Armored Division. 50 00:03:25,205 --> 00:03:28,333 Months of hard fighting gives Lee confidence, 51 00:03:28,333 --> 00:03:30,460 on the edge of bravado. 52 00:03:30,460 --> 00:03:32,128 In a couple of days prior, 53 00:03:32,212 --> 00:03:35,798 a German colonel wanted to surrender a large number of his men 54 00:03:35,882 --> 00:03:37,884 but wouldn't do so to a lowly first lieutenant. 55 00:03:38,635 --> 00:03:40,970 So, Lieutenant Lee, making use of the fact 56 00:03:41,054 --> 00:03:44,390 that the insignia for a first lieutenant is a single silver bar 57 00:03:44,474 --> 00:03:46,434 and for a captain is two silver bars, 58 00:03:46,434 --> 00:03:49,437 simply took a spare bar, put it on his collar, 59 00:03:49,437 --> 00:03:51,689 and was a captain for a few minutes to accept surrender. 60 00:03:55,568 --> 00:03:58,279 In English, Gangl delivers his message. 61 00:03:58,821 --> 00:04:01,115 The German officer explains 62 00:04:01,199 --> 00:04:03,451 that he has knowledge of important French prisoners 63 00:04:03,451 --> 00:04:06,454 held by the Nazis not far away. 64 00:04:06,454 --> 00:04:09,249 From the perspective of a U.S. Army commander, 65 00:04:09,707 --> 00:04:13,127 you're wise if you decide, I'm only going to trust my own guys. 66 00:04:13,211 --> 00:04:15,255 But you also have to be open-minded enough 67 00:04:15,255 --> 00:04:16,923 to realize that there may be a lot of people 68 00:04:16,923 --> 00:04:18,508 who need your help 69 00:04:18,508 --> 00:04:20,468 and that you're probably going to do yourself 70 00:04:20,468 --> 00:04:21,761 more harm than good 71 00:04:21,761 --> 00:04:24,013 if you're shooting first and asking questions later. 72 00:04:26,391 --> 00:04:27,767 Gangl presents a letter 73 00:04:27,767 --> 00:04:29,519 written by one of the VIPs. 74 00:04:29,852 --> 00:04:32,188 In it, they plead for rescue. 75 00:04:35,733 --> 00:04:37,735 Rumors had circulated 76 00:04:37,819 --> 00:04:40,989 about an Alpine fortress holding such prisoners. 77 00:04:41,447 --> 00:04:43,366 The story could be true, 78 00:04:43,366 --> 00:04:44,701 or it could be a trap. 79 00:04:45,535 --> 00:04:47,495 It's a tough sell for someone like Gangl 80 00:04:47,495 --> 00:04:50,498 to make the Americans understand 81 00:04:50,498 --> 00:04:52,917 that he is going to join them in common cause 82 00:04:53,001 --> 00:04:56,254 and that he's really not a supporter of Nazism. 83 00:04:58,172 --> 00:04:59,299 Lee climbs into his tank 84 00:04:59,799 --> 00:05:01,634 to radio his commanding officer. 85 00:05:02,468 --> 00:05:04,220 HQ, this is Lee. 86 00:05:04,387 --> 00:05:06,764 He shares the intel about the French hostages. 87 00:05:11,060 --> 00:05:12,812 Lee receives permission to proceed 88 00:05:12,812 --> 00:05:14,981 as he judges appropriate. 89 00:05:15,523 --> 00:05:17,608 Alright, we'll see it through. Over. 90 00:05:22,238 --> 00:05:25,033 It's indicative of how fluid the situation is, 91 00:05:25,408 --> 00:05:28,161 there's not always going to be time to check in. 92 00:05:28,161 --> 00:05:29,996 The battalion commander is telling Lee 93 00:05:29,996 --> 00:05:32,373 that he needs to exercise his judgment. 94 00:05:37,211 --> 00:05:40,423 Lee decides to check out the story himself. 95 00:05:40,882 --> 00:05:42,633 He will reconnoiter to where Gangl claims 96 00:05:42,717 --> 00:05:44,927 the VIP prisoners are being held. 97 00:05:46,637 --> 00:05:48,139 Only one of Lee's gunners 98 00:05:48,139 --> 00:05:50,683 and the two Germans accompany him. 99 00:05:51,476 --> 00:05:53,478 Lee decides to travel with Gangl 100 00:05:53,478 --> 00:05:55,897 to determine the German major's reliability... 101 00:05:58,483 --> 00:06:01,486 and to verify his connections with the Austrian Resistance. 102 00:06:03,571 --> 00:06:04,947 This situation 103 00:06:05,031 --> 00:06:06,949 that you have there on the ground in Austria 104 00:06:07,492 --> 00:06:09,035 is extraordinarily complex. 105 00:06:11,579 --> 00:06:13,331 German Chancellor Adolf Hitler 106 00:06:13,831 --> 00:06:15,458 committed suicide five days prior, 107 00:06:15,458 --> 00:06:17,877 on April 30, 1945. 108 00:06:20,129 --> 00:06:22,215 The German military is disintegrating. 109 00:06:22,757 --> 00:06:24,675 Some surrender to the Allies. 110 00:06:24,759 --> 00:06:26,928 Others retreat, or even desert. 111 00:06:29,972 --> 00:06:31,349 In my opinion, 112 00:06:31,891 --> 00:06:34,143 Gangl represents the state of the German armed forces 113 00:06:34,227 --> 00:06:36,354 in May 1945. 114 00:06:36,354 --> 00:06:39,732 He understands the war is lost, probably has also understood 115 00:06:39,816 --> 00:06:42,068 that he had served the wrong cause. 116 00:06:42,610 --> 00:06:46,322 And now is time to try to avoid even more damage 117 00:06:46,697 --> 00:06:48,699 to our home country, 118 00:06:48,783 --> 00:06:52,078 even if this means to cooperate with a former enemy. 119 00:06:52,537 --> 00:06:55,915 But many still support the cause of Nazism, 120 00:06:55,915 --> 00:06:58,459 particularly those in the Waffen-SS-- 121 00:06:58,543 --> 00:07:01,379 the military arm of the Nazi party. 122 00:07:01,838 --> 00:07:04,006 There are a number of Waffen-SS troops 123 00:07:04,382 --> 00:07:06,551 in northern Austria by this time. 124 00:07:06,551 --> 00:07:09,387 Most of them are still determined to fight on. 125 00:07:09,387 --> 00:07:10,805 They are fanatical. 126 00:07:12,473 --> 00:07:14,809 When we hear "fanatic" or "fanatical" today, 127 00:07:15,309 --> 00:07:18,604 we think of crazy people who fight on stupid-like. 128 00:07:18,980 --> 00:07:23,192 But fanatic is actually considered a positive term 129 00:07:23,276 --> 00:07:25,445 by the Nazis. 130 00:07:25,445 --> 00:07:27,363 If they say you are a fanatic Nazi, 131 00:07:27,738 --> 00:07:29,240 it's meant as a compliment. 132 00:07:29,240 --> 00:07:32,410 The Waffen-SS will fight to the bitter end. 133 00:07:32,618 --> 00:07:34,704 A couple of days before the war was over, 134 00:07:34,704 --> 00:07:36,372 the thinking then was we are losing, 135 00:07:36,456 --> 00:07:39,250 but when we are losing, our enemies shall not survive. 136 00:07:40,543 --> 00:07:44,172 Their fatalism creates great risk for the Allies. 137 00:07:44,839 --> 00:07:46,591 Whether in the next village 138 00:07:46,591 --> 00:07:48,468 they will be met with open arms, 139 00:07:48,468 --> 00:07:51,846 or whether they will be met with a hail of bullets. 140 00:07:53,556 --> 00:07:55,600 The four men travel to their objective-- 141 00:07:55,600 --> 00:07:56,893 Castle Itter. 142 00:08:00,271 --> 00:08:03,316 Their route will be dictated by roadblocks. 143 00:08:04,150 --> 00:08:07,487 The Nazis controlled most every aspect of German life, 144 00:08:07,945 --> 00:08:09,197 including the road net. 145 00:08:09,864 --> 00:08:12,158 We have a roadblock at the entry points of a town. 146 00:08:12,158 --> 00:08:14,952 This was a way to maintain control over populations, 147 00:08:15,036 --> 00:08:17,163 to cow them into submission. 148 00:08:17,163 --> 00:08:20,291 It was a way to maintain some semblance of political control. 149 00:08:23,753 --> 00:08:26,464 With Gangl and his driver's knowledge of the area, 150 00:08:26,464 --> 00:08:28,549 they bypass some roadblocks. 151 00:08:32,136 --> 00:08:34,931 Other times, en route to the town of Worgl, 152 00:08:34,931 --> 00:08:37,975 Lee and Gangl encounter Wehrmacht German Army troops, 153 00:08:38,059 --> 00:08:39,602 who prove loyal to the German major. 154 00:08:55,660 --> 00:08:58,287 As Gangl navigates each turn, 155 00:08:58,621 --> 00:09:01,582 Lee must still wonder whether it's an elaborate ruse. 156 00:09:08,047 --> 00:09:11,676 During a stop in Worgl, Gangl offers Lee formal surrender 157 00:09:11,676 --> 00:09:13,553 of the garrison based in the town. 158 00:09:18,724 --> 00:09:20,643 They then continue to Itter village, 159 00:09:20,977 --> 00:09:23,187 situated just below the castle itself. 160 00:09:28,317 --> 00:09:30,111 So, for Lee, 161 00:09:30,319 --> 00:09:32,446 the next introduction must have been jarring. 162 00:09:37,201 --> 00:09:39,453 Though he's dressed in civilian clothes, 163 00:09:39,537 --> 00:09:42,456 the man is introduced as a Waffen-SS captain. 164 00:09:43,666 --> 00:09:47,878 SS officers did not swear loyalty to Germany 165 00:09:47,962 --> 00:09:49,171 and its constitution and its laws. 166 00:09:49,255 --> 00:09:53,134 They swore a personal loyalty to Adolf Hitler himself. 167 00:09:53,134 --> 00:09:55,136 These were the fanatics. 168 00:09:55,136 --> 00:09:58,764 These were the people who ran the concentration camps. 169 00:09:58,848 --> 00:10:01,350 Lee may have trusted the Wehrmacht officer, 170 00:10:01,434 --> 00:10:04,979 only to fall into the clutches of the SS instead. 171 00:10:12,403 --> 00:10:14,864 May 4, 1945. 172 00:10:15,281 --> 00:10:17,700 In the final days of World War II, 173 00:10:17,700 --> 00:10:21,078 an American tank commander believes a German officer's story 174 00:10:21,162 --> 00:10:23,497 about French VIP prisoners in a nearby castle 175 00:10:23,789 --> 00:10:26,167 needing rescue. 176 00:10:26,167 --> 00:10:28,002 But while on reconnaissance, 177 00:10:28,002 --> 00:10:30,504 Lieutenant Jack Lee fears he has fallen into the hands 178 00:10:30,588 --> 00:10:34,342 of Waffen-SS Captain Kurt-Siegfried Schrader. 179 00:10:34,342 --> 00:10:36,469 Why should I believe you? 180 00:10:39,930 --> 00:10:42,099 But German Army Major Josef Gangl 181 00:10:42,183 --> 00:10:44,435 vouches for the SS captain. 182 00:10:44,435 --> 00:10:46,854 This creates a tense moment. 183 00:10:46,854 --> 00:10:48,314 Gangl recognizes him. 184 00:10:48,314 --> 00:10:51,359 They'd worked together before on Battle Group Giehl. 185 00:10:51,359 --> 00:10:53,402 Schrader informs Lee and Gangl 186 00:10:53,486 --> 00:10:55,321 that he has assumed responsibility 187 00:10:55,321 --> 00:10:57,782 for the French VIPs' protection. 188 00:10:57,782 --> 00:11:01,452 We can only speculate what motivates Schrader's change in mind. 189 00:11:01,452 --> 00:11:05,039 Was it a true change of mind, or was it just opportunism, 190 00:11:05,039 --> 00:11:07,750 seeing the war is lost for Germany. 191 00:11:08,209 --> 00:11:10,795 They also learn from Schrader 192 00:11:10,795 --> 00:11:13,214 that the SS unit that had guarded the prisoners 193 00:11:13,214 --> 00:11:15,299 has fled overnight. 194 00:11:15,383 --> 00:11:16,550 The VIPs are safe for now, 195 00:11:16,634 --> 00:11:19,261 but everyone fears what's coming next. 196 00:11:20,805 --> 00:11:24,183 Lee finds himself in a remarkable situation. 197 00:11:24,183 --> 00:11:27,353 Two German officers-- one from the SS-- 198 00:11:27,520 --> 00:11:30,147 have turned their backs on the Nazi cause 199 00:11:30,231 --> 00:11:33,275 to assist American forces to protect the French prisoners. 200 00:11:39,782 --> 00:11:41,450 I'm going to check this guy's story out. 201 00:11:43,202 --> 00:11:46,497 Still needing to confirm Gangl and Schrader's stories, 202 00:11:46,497 --> 00:11:48,958 Lee insists they continue to the castle. 203 00:11:54,088 --> 00:11:56,590 Schloss Itter, as it is known in German, 204 00:11:56,674 --> 00:11:59,802 sits amidst Austria's Tyrol Mountains. 205 00:12:00,720 --> 00:12:02,596 Positioned over a ravine, 206 00:12:02,680 --> 00:12:05,307 a short bridge connects the 13th-century castle 207 00:12:05,391 --> 00:12:07,351 to a nearby mountain. 208 00:12:08,310 --> 00:12:10,646 Just south of the Austrian-German border, 209 00:12:10,730 --> 00:12:13,482 the Tyrol region is of legendary concern. 210 00:12:14,442 --> 00:12:16,527 Mountains separated by countless rivers, 211 00:12:16,527 --> 00:12:18,529 threaded by country roads, 212 00:12:18,654 --> 00:12:21,365 form natural defenses for retreating German troops. 213 00:12:23,993 --> 00:12:25,911 A recurrent fear of Allied supreme commander 214 00:12:25,995 --> 00:12:29,248 General Dwight D. Eisenhower is a final stand in the Alps. 215 00:12:31,709 --> 00:12:33,586 As the American forces move south, 216 00:12:33,586 --> 00:12:35,337 they are ordered to cut off mountain passes 217 00:12:35,421 --> 00:12:37,673 to prevent the formation of a Nazi redoubt. 218 00:12:46,098 --> 00:12:49,518 But as the Allies press from the north, east, and south of Austria, 219 00:12:50,895 --> 00:12:53,022 the squeeze may inadvertently create 220 00:12:53,022 --> 00:12:56,025 the assembly of loyal Nazi troops Eisenhower fears. 221 00:12:58,360 --> 00:13:00,404 Upon arriving at the castle... 222 00:13:04,033 --> 00:13:05,951 Lee encounters an armed group... 223 00:13:13,626 --> 00:13:15,836 and realizes that Gangl's story is true. 224 00:13:18,047 --> 00:13:21,967 The French VIPs exist, and they need help. 225 00:13:22,760 --> 00:13:26,180 The prisoners include two former French prime ministers, 226 00:13:26,180 --> 00:13:27,973 two French generals, 227 00:13:28,432 --> 00:13:30,643 and the sister of Charles de Gaulle. 228 00:13:30,851 --> 00:13:33,479 These are very distinguished soldiers in some cases. 229 00:13:33,479 --> 00:13:35,773 They are distinguished political voices. 230 00:13:35,773 --> 00:13:37,733 In a way, they represent 231 00:13:37,817 --> 00:13:40,611 the sort of kernel of French political nationhood. 232 00:13:40,611 --> 00:13:43,405 So, there's a great value in them, in that sense. 233 00:13:44,406 --> 00:13:46,242 So-called "honor prisoners" 234 00:13:46,242 --> 00:13:50,663 lived in relative luxury in hotels and castles throughout the war. 235 00:13:52,373 --> 00:13:55,334 The Nazis see them as a kind of bargain 236 00:13:55,334 --> 00:13:57,837 for future negotiations with the enemy. 237 00:13:57,837 --> 00:14:00,464 But faced day-to-day uncertainty, 238 00:14:00,548 --> 00:14:03,092 as their survival depended on Hitler's impulses. 239 00:14:03,092 --> 00:14:04,552 With his death 240 00:14:04,927 --> 00:14:06,345 and German command structure imploding, 241 00:14:06,345 --> 00:14:08,013 SS units in the region 242 00:14:08,097 --> 00:14:09,932 might decide it is in Germany's interest 243 00:14:09,932 --> 00:14:12,059 to execute the VIPs. 244 00:14:12,059 --> 00:14:13,811 The fear is 245 00:14:13,811 --> 00:14:15,771 that the SS were fully capable of executing anybody 246 00:14:15,855 --> 00:14:18,524 that they didn't want around to testify after the war. 247 00:14:19,233 --> 00:14:20,234 Though currently unguarded 248 00:14:20,234 --> 00:14:22,695 and in possession of German weapons, 249 00:14:22,903 --> 00:14:26,448 the VIPs are trapped and face imminent danger. 250 00:14:26,532 --> 00:14:30,286 While Lee wants to protect his men from unnecessary risks 251 00:14:30,286 --> 00:14:32,955 in what could be the last hours of the war, 252 00:14:33,080 --> 00:14:35,708 he understands the importance of the French VIPs 253 00:14:35,708 --> 00:14:37,418 and that they may be critical 254 00:14:37,418 --> 00:14:40,129 to the stability of free France after the war. 255 00:14:40,880 --> 00:14:43,549 Lee tells the French prisoners that he will be back with help 256 00:14:43,799 --> 00:14:45,050 as soon as possible. 257 00:14:54,476 --> 00:14:55,978 Lee and Gangl return to Kufstein 258 00:14:55,978 --> 00:14:57,396 to gather reinforcements. 259 00:15:01,358 --> 00:15:02,818 Alright, boys, let's roll out! 260 00:15:04,445 --> 00:15:06,488 Just before 1900 hours, 261 00:15:07,197 --> 00:15:10,659 Lee leads seven Sherman tanks and three squads of infantry 262 00:15:10,868 --> 00:15:13,162 from Kufstein towards Castle Itter. 263 00:15:15,372 --> 00:15:17,791 They are joined by Major Gangl, 264 00:15:17,875 --> 00:15:20,002 who adds men to strengthen their numbers. 265 00:15:22,922 --> 00:15:24,715 Jack Lee finds himself in command 266 00:15:24,715 --> 00:15:27,384 of 14 American and 10 German soldiers. 267 00:15:29,511 --> 00:15:30,930 I know of no other time 268 00:15:30,930 --> 00:15:33,265 when you had German soldiers directly serving 269 00:15:33,349 --> 00:15:35,601 and following the orders 270 00:15:35,601 --> 00:15:38,020 of an American junior officer in World War II. 271 00:15:39,772 --> 00:15:41,607 As they proceed to Itter, 272 00:15:41,607 --> 00:15:44,234 Lee must returnthree of his tanks to Kuftstein, 273 00:15:44,318 --> 00:15:47,780 when an old bridge gives way and prevents further crossings. 274 00:15:48,405 --> 00:15:50,532 He also leaves two tanks behind 275 00:15:50,616 --> 00:15:52,242 to defend the town of Worgl 276 00:15:52,326 --> 00:15:55,120 and one to secure a bridge they may need 277 00:15:55,204 --> 00:15:56,914 as an escape route. 278 00:15:58,999 --> 00:16:00,542 This leaves Lee's tank, 279 00:16:00,626 --> 00:16:02,836 nicknamed the Besotten Jenny, 280 00:16:02,920 --> 00:16:05,172 as the only Sherman still bound for the castle. 281 00:16:10,678 --> 00:16:12,221 The Besotten Jenny 282 00:16:12,221 --> 00:16:14,807 is an M4 A3 Sherman tank, 283 00:16:14,807 --> 00:16:16,809 operated by a crew of five. 284 00:16:16,809 --> 00:16:19,353 It is armed with a 76-millimeter main gun, 285 00:16:19,353 --> 00:16:22,106 capable of firing 20 rounds a minute... 286 00:16:23,565 --> 00:16:27,111 ...and fitted with a .50-caliber and two .30-caliber machine guns. 287 00:16:32,825 --> 00:16:36,203 As the rescue force closes in on Itter village, 288 00:16:37,621 --> 00:16:40,708 they encounter a Waffen-SS roadblock... 289 00:16:42,334 --> 00:16:44,086 and open fire to clear the way. 290 00:16:49,967 --> 00:16:53,429 The German troops immediately scatter without firing a shot. 291 00:16:53,721 --> 00:16:55,389 They just melt off into the woods. 292 00:16:55,389 --> 00:16:57,016 Pick up the pace. 293 00:16:57,016 --> 00:16:58,684 Having announced their presence 294 00:16:58,684 --> 00:17:00,811 to any enemy soldiers in the area, 295 00:17:00,811 --> 00:17:04,189 Lee and his rescue force hurry to Itter Castle. 296 00:17:04,857 --> 00:17:08,777 A 60-foot road leads to the castle's gatehouse. 297 00:17:09,194 --> 00:17:10,195 OK, move it, move it. 298 00:17:16,201 --> 00:17:18,287 Lee's driver puts the tank in reverse. 299 00:17:19,872 --> 00:17:23,208 There's no way to turn around once you're at the castle gate. 300 00:17:23,542 --> 00:17:26,003 And if you were to drive up forward, 301 00:17:26,003 --> 00:17:28,172 he'd have the most vulnerable portion of the tank-- 302 00:17:28,172 --> 00:17:31,133 the engine compartment-- directly facing enemy fire. 303 00:17:31,592 --> 00:17:33,510 Alright, boys, keep moving. 304 00:17:33,677 --> 00:17:36,388 The tank's rearview mirrors were broken, 305 00:17:36,472 --> 00:17:40,517 so Lee uses his voice to guide the tank up the hill. 306 00:17:40,601 --> 00:17:42,352 It's an incredibly tense maneuver 307 00:17:42,436 --> 00:17:45,939 because the consequences of error are monumental. 308 00:17:47,733 --> 00:17:49,485 The tank would plunge at least 25 feet 309 00:17:49,485 --> 00:17:51,195 down into the ravine. 310 00:18:03,749 --> 00:18:05,626 With the Sherman tank safely parked, 311 00:18:06,251 --> 00:18:08,796 Lee is greeted by the French VIPs, 312 00:18:09,755 --> 00:18:12,549 whose joyful relief quickly fades. 313 00:18:13,300 --> 00:18:16,595 The initial reaction of the French VIPs to the rescue force 314 00:18:16,595 --> 00:18:18,388 is disappointment. 315 00:18:18,472 --> 00:18:20,140 They're like, boy, is this all that's coming? 316 00:18:20,349 --> 00:18:22,392 Infused as some of them were with their own importance, 317 00:18:22,476 --> 00:18:23,685 they would have assumed, 318 00:18:23,769 --> 00:18:25,354 well, of course half the United States Army 319 00:18:25,354 --> 00:18:26,814 is going to come after us. 320 00:18:26,814 --> 00:18:29,316 And of course, this was just a little recon element 321 00:18:29,316 --> 00:18:31,819 that they did not find particularly impressive. 322 00:18:33,779 --> 00:18:37,407 And plus, you've got Germans in tow with weapons, still. 323 00:18:37,491 --> 00:18:39,743 So, you're probably not too wild about that either. 324 00:18:39,827 --> 00:18:43,580 Lee is also met by SS Captain Schrader. 325 00:18:43,872 --> 00:18:46,583 Schrader informs Lee that he's witnessed SS troops 326 00:18:46,667 --> 00:18:50,504 moving anti-tank guns into the woods around the castle. 327 00:18:50,671 --> 00:18:53,215 This is most likely because of the Besotten Jenny's run-in 328 00:18:53,423 --> 00:18:55,884 with the Waffen-SS roadblock. 329 00:18:57,052 --> 00:18:58,387 For their safety, 330 00:18:58,387 --> 00:19:02,141 Lee directs the VIPs into the castle's cellars. 331 00:19:02,724 --> 00:19:04,685 The male VIPs argue 332 00:19:04,685 --> 00:19:07,062 that they wish to fight in their own defense, 333 00:19:07,146 --> 00:19:08,564 but Lee counters 334 00:19:08,564 --> 00:19:10,065 that they would not be much help to France 335 00:19:10,149 --> 00:19:12,192 if they get themselves killed. 336 00:19:13,277 --> 00:19:15,237 From the perspective of these two French generals-- 337 00:19:15,404 --> 00:19:17,239 both very senior, distinguished generals, 338 00:19:17,239 --> 00:19:19,408 both of whom had extensive combat experience... 339 00:19:19,908 --> 00:19:21,660 Now you're being asked to take orders 340 00:19:21,660 --> 00:19:24,830 from some 27-year-old American? 341 00:19:24,830 --> 00:19:27,457 He ranks way below you. 342 00:19:27,541 --> 00:19:30,752 You would find that somewhat insulting. 343 00:19:30,836 --> 00:19:33,755 You would've expected Lee to defer to you 344 00:19:33,839 --> 00:19:36,175 and say, General, what do you think we ought to do now? 345 00:19:36,550 --> 00:19:38,177 That's not his mindset. 346 00:19:39,803 --> 00:19:41,013 Lacking sufficient resources 347 00:19:41,013 --> 00:19:43,140 to evacuate the castle, 348 00:19:44,141 --> 00:19:46,351 Lee organizes a defensive strategy 349 00:19:46,435 --> 00:19:49,271 for the American and German troops under his command. 350 00:19:49,980 --> 00:19:52,941 Lee assigns responsibility for 180 degrees-- 351 00:19:53,025 --> 00:19:55,694 basically half the field of fire--to each man. 352 00:19:56,069 --> 00:19:59,448 Schrader to the north and Gangl to the south. 353 00:20:00,365 --> 00:20:03,535 Lee also orders that his tank, the Besotten Jenny, 354 00:20:03,619 --> 00:20:05,454 is manned at all times. 355 00:20:07,581 --> 00:20:09,541 With the defensive positions set, 356 00:20:09,625 --> 00:20:12,252 Lee instructs them to sleep in shifts 357 00:20:13,545 --> 00:20:15,756 and tries to get some rest himself. 358 00:20:28,435 --> 00:20:31,271 At 0400 hours on May 5th... 359 00:20:34,775 --> 00:20:36,944 Lee is awoken by the sound of gunfire. 360 00:20:40,447 --> 00:20:42,950 Castle Itter is under attack. 361 00:20:48,914 --> 00:20:51,375 May 5, 1945. 362 00:20:52,000 --> 00:20:53,585 Lieutenant Jack Lee 363 00:20:53,669 --> 00:20:56,088 commands a small group of American and German soldiers 364 00:20:56,380 --> 00:20:58,632 trying to protect French VIPs 365 00:20:58,632 --> 00:21:00,592 held as hostages at Castle Itter. 366 00:21:07,808 --> 00:21:11,186 Woken by the sound of gunfire from the castle's gatehouse, 367 00:21:11,270 --> 00:21:12,145 Lee rushes out. 368 00:21:16,900 --> 00:21:18,443 As a machine gun from a nearby ridge 369 00:21:18,527 --> 00:21:20,529 targets the castle, 370 00:21:20,529 --> 00:21:22,239 the crew member stationed in Lee's tank, 371 00:21:22,239 --> 00:21:25,200 the Besotten Jenny, returns fire. 372 00:21:43,885 --> 00:21:46,930 The attack comes from the Waffen-SS... 373 00:21:47,014 --> 00:21:48,515 Fire! 374 00:21:48,515 --> 00:21:50,559 Nazi loyalists 375 00:21:50,726 --> 00:21:53,312 determined to retake the castle and the prisoners. 376 00:21:53,770 --> 00:21:55,314 When the firefight subsides, 377 00:21:55,689 --> 00:21:57,691 Lee's man reports he saw four Germans 378 00:21:57,691 --> 00:22:00,444 inside the razor wire, which rings the castle, 379 00:22:00,694 --> 00:22:02,654 with ropes and climbing gear. 380 00:22:03,405 --> 00:22:05,615 Under fire, the advancing SS troops 381 00:22:05,699 --> 00:22:08,160 retreated into the surrounding woods. 382 00:22:16,335 --> 00:22:18,587 Lee debriefs with Major Josef Gangl 383 00:22:18,587 --> 00:22:19,963 and Captain Kurt-Siegfried Schrader 384 00:22:20,047 --> 00:22:21,757 about the exchange. 385 00:22:25,427 --> 00:22:27,721 At the sound of another machine-gun burst, 386 00:22:28,305 --> 00:22:31,183 the officers race down. 387 00:22:31,183 --> 00:22:33,477 The trio encounter one of Major Gangl's men 388 00:22:33,477 --> 00:22:34,644 under heavy fire. 389 00:22:35,270 --> 00:22:37,939 Lee and Gangl pull the soldier to safety... 390 00:22:41,109 --> 00:22:43,487 while Besotten Jenny's .50-caliber machine gun 391 00:22:43,487 --> 00:22:45,864 opens up again in retaliation. 392 00:22:49,576 --> 00:22:52,454 Gangl translates his soldier's account for Lee. 393 00:22:53,246 --> 00:22:56,249 More Waffen-SS soldiers had gotten past the razor wire 394 00:22:56,333 --> 00:22:57,793 and approached the castle. 395 00:23:00,545 --> 00:23:02,047 The soldier opened fire on them, 396 00:23:02,422 --> 00:23:05,592 and in turn, was shot at in retaliation. 397 00:23:05,592 --> 00:23:08,553 They retreated again into the forest. 398 00:23:08,762 --> 00:23:11,056 I got a .50-cal in that section. No one's getting down there. 399 00:23:15,644 --> 00:23:18,688 With the Sherman tank guarding access to the castle, 400 00:23:18,772 --> 00:23:20,399 a frontal attack is futile, 401 00:23:20,690 --> 00:23:23,735 so the SS troops need to find another way in. 402 00:23:23,819 --> 00:23:27,239 What they do is probe the castle in small groups 403 00:23:27,489 --> 00:23:29,074 and trying to find weak spots, 404 00:23:29,533 --> 00:23:32,619 and perhaps also trying to find out the number of the defenders. 405 00:23:37,040 --> 00:23:39,960 HQ? 406 00:23:39,960 --> 00:23:41,294 HQ, this is Lee. 407 00:23:44,965 --> 00:23:46,258 This is Lee. Over. 408 00:23:46,925 --> 00:23:49,928 The situation is dire. 409 00:23:49,928 --> 00:23:52,180 Lieutenant Lee is on his own. 410 00:23:52,264 --> 00:23:54,266 He has no radio communication. 411 00:23:54,266 --> 00:23:56,893 He has no way of knowing if a rescue force is coming. 412 00:24:02,190 --> 00:24:06,278 At this point, Lee's strategy is to keep the SS guessing 413 00:24:06,403 --> 00:24:08,405 about the disposition of forces inside the castle. 414 00:24:09,197 --> 00:24:12,784 They don't know he's only got 25 men and three officers. 415 00:24:15,579 --> 00:24:16,955 But a short time later, 416 00:24:16,955 --> 00:24:20,375 another round of gunfire alerts Lee to a new problem. 417 00:24:29,134 --> 00:24:30,552 One of Major Gangl's men 418 00:24:30,552 --> 00:24:31,845 has fled the castle. 419 00:24:34,014 --> 00:24:37,767 The soldier secretly lowered himself down the castle wall, 420 00:24:38,185 --> 00:24:40,937 then ran into the trees of the gorge. 421 00:24:41,062 --> 00:24:43,106 You said I could trust your men, Gangl. 422 00:24:43,190 --> 00:24:44,733 The soldier's escape 423 00:24:44,733 --> 00:24:48,320 is a grave threat to everyone left inside Castle Itter. 424 00:24:48,320 --> 00:24:49,529 Up until now, 425 00:24:49,696 --> 00:24:53,074 the SS have no idea of who is defending the castle. 426 00:24:53,158 --> 00:24:55,494 This man would likely tell the SS 427 00:24:55,494 --> 00:24:57,579 anything they wanted to know. 428 00:24:58,830 --> 00:24:59,915 He can give away 429 00:24:59,915 --> 00:25:02,292 how many people are defending this castle 430 00:25:02,292 --> 00:25:05,378 and where exactly are their defense positions. 431 00:25:06,671 --> 00:25:09,382 The escape is not just about one soldier. 432 00:25:10,258 --> 00:25:13,887 It undermines the Americans' faith in the other Germans as well. 433 00:25:15,639 --> 00:25:17,140 Lee's men observe 434 00:25:17,224 --> 00:25:19,351 that the other Germans did not fire on him. 435 00:25:21,603 --> 00:25:23,772 Now, at this point he doesn't know, 436 00:25:23,772 --> 00:25:25,440 is that simply because 437 00:25:25,565 --> 00:25:27,067 they didn't want to kill a fellow German, 438 00:25:27,192 --> 00:25:30,111 or is there something bigger afoot? 439 00:25:30,278 --> 00:25:32,113 This single soldier 440 00:25:32,239 --> 00:25:34,950 represents a larger problem for the defenders. 441 00:25:35,367 --> 00:25:37,410 Where is their loyalty? 442 00:25:37,494 --> 00:25:39,204 Is it with Gangl? 443 00:25:39,204 --> 00:25:41,873 Or is it with the besieging Waffen-SS unit? 444 00:25:44,334 --> 00:25:45,835 It seems that Gangl and Lee 445 00:25:45,919 --> 00:25:48,463 came to some sort of understanding, 446 00:25:48,547 --> 00:25:50,966 and the Germans retain their weapons. 447 00:25:50,966 --> 00:25:53,009 But it is a good thing, 448 00:25:53,093 --> 00:25:55,053 because it soon becomes clear 449 00:25:55,053 --> 00:25:57,013 that Lee will need every man he's got. 450 00:26:03,770 --> 00:26:05,689 May 1945. 451 00:26:06,940 --> 00:26:08,108 An American tank commander 452 00:26:08,108 --> 00:26:11,236 tries to defend the lives of French VIPs 453 00:26:11,236 --> 00:26:13,238 taken hostage and held by the Nazis 454 00:26:13,363 --> 00:26:15,365 at Castle Itter during the war. 455 00:26:17,534 --> 00:26:20,620 A Waffen-SS force prepares to retake the castle. 456 00:26:21,955 --> 00:26:23,582 In an unusual twist of fate, 457 00:26:24,082 --> 00:26:27,377 former enemies now work for a common cause. 458 00:26:27,794 --> 00:26:31,381 The castle is held by both American and German troops. 459 00:26:32,173 --> 00:26:34,384 27-year-old Lieutenant Jack Lee 460 00:26:34,384 --> 00:26:37,887 is the American tank commander in charge. 461 00:26:37,971 --> 00:26:39,973 In my opinion, Lieutenant Lee, at this point, 462 00:26:39,973 --> 00:26:42,892 trusts Gangl and Schrader implicitly. 463 00:26:43,101 --> 00:26:45,478 Gangl already had well-established bona fides 464 00:26:45,562 --> 00:26:48,440 both from the resistance and his actions so far. 465 00:26:48,440 --> 00:26:51,026 Schrader, besides being vouched for by Gangl, 466 00:26:51,276 --> 00:26:53,361 also had his family inside the castle. 467 00:26:56,114 --> 00:26:57,616 Lee joins German officers 468 00:26:57,616 --> 00:27:00,118 Major Gangl and Captain Schrader high in the castle 469 00:27:00,118 --> 00:27:03,079 to observe Waffen-SS movements. 470 00:27:03,997 --> 00:27:05,624 Lee spots artillery pieces 471 00:27:05,624 --> 00:27:08,043 being moved into place among the trees, 472 00:27:08,043 --> 00:27:11,296 only about 800 yards from the castle-- 473 00:27:11,296 --> 00:27:12,422 likely in response 474 00:27:12,422 --> 00:27:15,925 to information from an escaped defender. 475 00:27:16,009 --> 00:27:18,178 They know that the defensive force 476 00:27:18,178 --> 00:27:20,013 has no heavy weapons to fire. 477 00:27:20,430 --> 00:27:23,767 And so they feel free to move their heavy guns into place. 478 00:27:27,812 --> 00:27:30,440 One of the guns is an 88. 479 00:27:31,024 --> 00:27:33,943 The 88 is the most dreaded weapon in the German arsenal. 480 00:27:34,361 --> 00:27:36,988 It's a high-velocity gun with a heavy punch. 481 00:27:37,113 --> 00:27:39,616 Literally one round can go through a Sherman tank 482 00:27:40,033 --> 00:27:42,160 like it's made of butter. 483 00:27:42,285 --> 00:27:44,245 It does the same thing to stone walls. 484 00:27:48,625 --> 00:27:49,959 They also watch 485 00:27:50,043 --> 00:27:52,837 as Waffen-SS troops arrive and take up positions. 486 00:27:56,007 --> 00:27:57,592 From all what we know, 487 00:27:57,676 --> 00:28:00,428 the number of German troops attacking Castle Itter 488 00:28:00,553 --> 00:28:02,305 was about a company. 489 00:28:02,389 --> 00:28:04,849 So, about 150, 200 men maximum. 490 00:28:05,892 --> 00:28:07,811 They were relatively well-armed. 491 00:28:08,478 --> 00:28:11,147 They seemed to have been in good supply of ammunition. 492 00:28:13,108 --> 00:28:15,985 Castle Itter is now surrounded. 493 00:28:16,695 --> 00:28:20,073 While the American and German officers are concerned, 494 00:28:20,073 --> 00:28:24,160 Major Gangl discovers that the French VIPs are not. 495 00:28:24,244 --> 00:28:25,453 Gangl encounters them 496 00:28:25,537 --> 00:28:28,248 getting some fresh air in the courtyard, 497 00:28:28,248 --> 00:28:31,000 in spite of Lee's clear instructions. 498 00:28:35,171 --> 00:28:37,424 The 88 suddenly opens up. 499 00:28:39,467 --> 00:28:40,969 A shot hits an upper floor of the castle 500 00:28:40,969 --> 00:28:42,721 and rains down debris. 501 00:28:47,767 --> 00:28:49,644 Everyone scrambles for cover. 502 00:28:52,105 --> 00:28:53,815 Let's go. Let's move! 503 00:29:00,697 --> 00:29:02,699 At 1000 hours, 504 00:29:02,699 --> 00:29:04,659 Waffen-SS troops begin a full-scale assault 505 00:29:04,784 --> 00:29:06,369 on the castle. 506 00:29:10,206 --> 00:29:12,959 Lee will soon learn if the Germans inside the castle 507 00:29:12,959 --> 00:29:14,544 will fight to repel them. 508 00:29:28,099 --> 00:29:29,559 Very quickly, 509 00:29:29,559 --> 00:29:32,562 the Besotten Jenny, the defenders' only tank, 510 00:29:32,562 --> 00:29:34,731 takes a direct hit. 511 00:29:35,732 --> 00:29:37,942 Lee's best hope for protecting everyone inside Itter Castle 512 00:29:38,026 --> 00:29:40,236 goes up in flames. 513 00:29:46,159 --> 00:29:48,745 An American tanker escapes the burning wreckage. 514 00:29:50,371 --> 00:29:53,082 He and two other U.S. soldiers retreat... 515 00:29:55,543 --> 00:29:58,213 as the Sherman's fuel tanks explode. 516 00:29:59,214 --> 00:30:01,758 It is a major setback. 517 00:30:04,886 --> 00:30:06,387 The assault continues. 518 00:30:09,599 --> 00:30:11,392 The forces inside the castle 519 00:30:11,476 --> 00:30:15,230 are reduced to simply small arms-- rifles, pistols, and grenades. 520 00:30:15,772 --> 00:30:18,191 They have no heavy weapons whatsoever. 521 00:30:18,525 --> 00:30:19,859 The defenders have no way 522 00:30:20,068 --> 00:30:21,569 to take out the German 88... 523 00:30:22,987 --> 00:30:24,781 and it continues to pound the castle. 524 00:30:30,495 --> 00:30:33,581 Some of the French VIPs refuse to retreat to safety 525 00:30:33,706 --> 00:30:35,542 in order to join the battle. 526 00:30:38,127 --> 00:30:40,046 They had served in the French army. 527 00:30:42,215 --> 00:30:43,466 Though for most, 528 00:30:43,550 --> 00:30:45,927 decades earlier in the First World War. 529 00:30:51,641 --> 00:30:53,810 Hurry! OK! Let's go! 530 00:30:53,810 --> 00:30:55,854 Some defenders are positioned higher 531 00:30:55,854 --> 00:30:57,605 to preserve their view of the attacking troops. 532 00:31:06,239 --> 00:31:08,324 The Waffen-SS attack intensifies. 533 00:31:23,214 --> 00:31:25,174 Lee notices that one of the French VIPs 534 00:31:25,258 --> 00:31:26,551 has moved into a vulnerable spot. 535 00:31:32,348 --> 00:31:34,767 But before Lee can react... 536 00:31:34,893 --> 00:31:36,936 Major Gangl does. 537 00:31:45,945 --> 00:31:47,739 May 1945. 538 00:31:48,531 --> 00:31:50,867 During the final days of the war in Europe... 539 00:31:52,702 --> 00:31:55,288 American and German soldiers fight together 540 00:31:56,372 --> 00:31:57,832 to hold a castle 541 00:31:57,916 --> 00:32:00,418 and protect French prisoners from Waffen-SS forces. 542 00:32:08,968 --> 00:32:11,763 German Wehrmacht Major Josef Gangl 543 00:32:11,971 --> 00:32:14,098 rushes to pull one of the French VIPs back 544 00:32:14,182 --> 00:32:15,516 from a vulnerable position. 545 00:32:18,144 --> 00:32:19,312 But in his haste... 546 00:32:21,064 --> 00:32:22,732 Gangl exposes himself 547 00:32:22,732 --> 00:32:24,943 to a bullet fired from outside the castle. 548 00:32:29,739 --> 00:32:31,658 In the hope of peace, 549 00:32:31,866 --> 00:32:35,244 Gangl chose to defy his own country, 550 00:32:35,370 --> 00:32:38,122 because he could no longer support in its aims, 551 00:32:38,206 --> 00:32:40,208 and he pays the ultimate price. 552 00:32:41,584 --> 00:32:44,212 It was not an opportunistic choice 553 00:32:44,963 --> 00:32:46,714 to defend Castle Itter. 554 00:32:46,798 --> 00:32:48,967 He did it with conviction. 555 00:32:52,929 --> 00:32:53,972 Lee cannot stop. 556 00:32:54,764 --> 00:32:56,849 As the incoming fire increases, 557 00:32:56,933 --> 00:32:59,352 he must secure the castle. 558 00:33:03,398 --> 00:33:05,692 Lee passes word to his men in the gatehouse 559 00:33:05,692 --> 00:33:08,778 to hang on as long as possible before falling back. 560 00:33:18,246 --> 00:33:20,081 As part of the growing onslaught, 561 00:33:20,081 --> 00:33:23,543 Waffen-SS troops advance from the east and west sides, 562 00:33:23,543 --> 00:33:26,212 as well as up the drop-off to the castle's north. 563 00:33:31,342 --> 00:33:33,928 The defenders struggle to cover all three directions. 564 00:33:41,436 --> 00:33:44,147 It is not clear how long they will be able to hold out. 565 00:33:49,694 --> 00:33:51,195 Jean Borotra, 566 00:33:51,279 --> 00:33:54,032 one of the prisoners and a former French tennis star, 567 00:33:54,032 --> 00:33:56,701 braves the incoming fire to deliver a message. 568 00:34:01,039 --> 00:34:02,665 He bursts in to report to Lee 569 00:34:02,749 --> 00:34:04,667 that they're running low on ammunition... 570 00:34:08,796 --> 00:34:11,174 with Waffen-SS forces closing in. 571 00:34:17,055 --> 00:34:17,972 Just then... 572 00:34:22,852 --> 00:34:25,354 ...an unexpected sound cuts through the gunfire. 573 00:34:25,646 --> 00:34:27,440 What happens next is amazing. 574 00:34:28,024 --> 00:34:29,734 The telephone in the castle rings. 575 00:34:33,571 --> 00:34:34,781 Hello? 576 00:34:35,698 --> 00:34:37,033 Lee answers... - This is Captain Lee. 577 00:34:37,283 --> 00:34:41,037 ...and is relieved to hear the voice of an American officer on the line. 578 00:34:41,370 --> 00:34:43,164 When he had reached the town of Worgl, 579 00:34:43,414 --> 00:34:45,333 Gangl's Austrian Resistance fighters 580 00:34:45,333 --> 00:34:46,751 had alerted the officer 581 00:34:46,751 --> 00:34:49,253 to the existence of the castle telephone. 582 00:34:49,337 --> 00:34:52,048 He's calling to check on Lee's forces and what they need. 583 00:34:52,298 --> 00:34:53,966 Lee only has time to report 584 00:34:54,050 --> 00:34:55,510 that the castle is under attack 585 00:34:55,510 --> 00:34:56,969 and they're low on ammunition... 586 00:34:59,430 --> 00:35:01,390 ...before the line goes dead. 587 00:35:08,314 --> 00:35:10,525 Though reinforcements may be coming, 588 00:35:10,691 --> 00:35:13,736 there's no guarantee they will arrive in time. 589 00:35:14,570 --> 00:35:15,655 He did not get a chance 590 00:35:15,655 --> 00:35:17,448 to relay the strength and position 591 00:35:17,532 --> 00:35:19,242 of the Waffen-SS troops, 592 00:35:19,367 --> 00:35:20,743 which could help the relief force 593 00:35:20,827 --> 00:35:23,621 make it more quickly to the castle. 594 00:35:24,038 --> 00:35:25,832 In addition to losing Gangl, 595 00:35:25,832 --> 00:35:28,084 two of the German soldiers have been injured. 596 00:35:29,085 --> 00:35:31,170 Lee knows that the castle could be overrun 597 00:35:31,254 --> 00:35:32,922 before help arrives, 598 00:35:33,339 --> 00:35:35,466 risking the lives of everyone inside. 599 00:35:38,261 --> 00:35:40,388 Jean Borotra interrupts with a crazy offer. 600 00:35:42,348 --> 00:35:43,641 During his captivity, 601 00:35:44,392 --> 00:35:46,936 Borotra had escaped from the castle before, 602 00:35:46,936 --> 00:35:49,897 only to be recaptured and returned to the prison. 603 00:35:50,439 --> 00:35:51,941 He suggests to Lee 604 00:35:51,941 --> 00:35:54,569 that he should dress as an Austrian peasant, jump the wall, 605 00:35:54,569 --> 00:35:57,738 and try and run to town to get aid. 606 00:35:57,989 --> 00:35:59,949 If Borotra can escape once more 607 00:35:59,949 --> 00:36:01,993 and locate the American forces, 608 00:36:01,993 --> 00:36:04,120 he can pass on Lee's warnings. 609 00:36:08,958 --> 00:36:11,419 Lee is not convinced the plan can succeed, 610 00:36:11,419 --> 00:36:14,505 but has few choices and even less time. 611 00:36:24,265 --> 00:36:25,558 As the fighting eases... 612 00:36:29,478 --> 00:36:32,398 Borotra is able to slip away from the castle. 613 00:36:33,441 --> 00:36:35,026 To fulfill his mission, 614 00:36:35,026 --> 00:36:36,986 he will have make his way past the Waffen-SS 615 00:36:36,986 --> 00:36:38,863 positioned outside the walls. 616 00:36:40,489 --> 00:36:42,950 Everyone's life could depend on it. 617 00:36:48,581 --> 00:36:51,709 May 5, 1945. 618 00:36:51,834 --> 00:36:54,462 In the Austrian Alps, 619 00:36:54,587 --> 00:36:56,797 Waffen-SS troops attack Castle Itter... 620 00:36:58,925 --> 00:37:01,135 ...the wartime prison which housed French VIPs. 621 00:37:04,764 --> 00:37:06,724 The castle is held by a motley mix 622 00:37:06,724 --> 00:37:09,227 of both American and German soldiers 623 00:37:09,227 --> 00:37:12,230 fighting to protect the hostages of the Third Reich. 624 00:37:14,732 --> 00:37:15,733 With the castle defenders 625 00:37:15,858 --> 00:37:19,362 at risk of being overwhelmed by loyal Nazi forces... 626 00:37:23,241 --> 00:37:25,534 former French tennis star Jean Borotra 627 00:37:25,618 --> 00:37:27,161 escapes the castle in disguise 628 00:37:27,245 --> 00:37:29,372 to alert nearby American troops. 629 00:37:31,999 --> 00:37:33,417 But first, 630 00:37:33,501 --> 00:37:35,378 he must make it through the Waffen-SS line 631 00:37:35,378 --> 00:37:36,796 advancing on the castle. 632 00:37:52,228 --> 00:37:54,772 Borotra must convince the Nazi troops 633 00:37:54,772 --> 00:37:56,857 that he is just an Austrian peasant. 634 00:37:57,275 --> 00:38:00,403 If they even suspect him of being a military deserter, 635 00:38:00,403 --> 00:38:02,405 let alone an escaped prisoner, 636 00:38:02,405 --> 00:38:04,573 it could cost him his life. 637 00:38:06,909 --> 00:38:08,869 Tense moments pass. 638 00:38:15,209 --> 00:38:17,503 Borotra's performance as a peasant 639 00:38:17,503 --> 00:38:18,921 must have been convincing, 640 00:38:19,005 --> 00:38:21,257 as they allow him to continue. 641 00:38:22,091 --> 00:38:25,052 Borotra heads off in search of the Americans. 642 00:38:29,765 --> 00:38:31,350 Back at Castle Itter... 643 00:38:33,936 --> 00:38:37,565 ...Lieutenant Jack Lee continues to lose ground to the SS troops 644 00:38:37,982 --> 00:38:40,234 and runs low on ammunition. 645 00:38:40,693 --> 00:38:42,403 He has no way to know 646 00:38:42,528 --> 00:38:44,905 if friendly reinforcements can reach them in time. 647 00:38:45,489 --> 00:38:47,199 If the castle is overrun, 648 00:38:47,283 --> 00:38:50,077 they believe the French VIPs are at risk of being executed 649 00:38:50,286 --> 00:38:51,829 by the Waffen-SS fanatics. 650 00:38:54,290 --> 00:38:56,208 Some hardcore SS officers say, 651 00:38:56,292 --> 00:38:57,543 OK, we are losing the war, 652 00:38:57,543 --> 00:39:00,421 but we will take our enemies with us. 653 00:39:00,713 --> 00:39:02,673 They shall not survive us. 654 00:39:06,552 --> 00:39:07,970 Lee and the French generals 655 00:39:08,387 --> 00:39:11,390 agree to retreat to the castle's inner stronghold, 656 00:39:11,474 --> 00:39:13,684 which Lee calls the keep. 657 00:39:13,809 --> 00:39:15,436 Down to the last magazine! 658 00:39:15,436 --> 00:39:16,645 Make it count. 659 00:39:18,981 --> 00:39:21,984 The keep is literally the last stand. 660 00:39:22,068 --> 00:39:24,528 There's no place to retreat to from it. 661 00:39:24,612 --> 00:39:26,989 They have to gamble that they can hold off the SS 662 00:39:27,114 --> 00:39:30,076 until relief forces arrive, or the game is up. 663 00:39:32,036 --> 00:39:34,789 At this point, Lee and his men are going to win or die. 664 00:39:40,503 --> 00:39:42,755 Waffen-SS forces sustain their attack 665 00:39:42,755 --> 00:39:44,173 and close in. 666 00:39:44,423 --> 00:39:46,884 The castle defenders return fire, 667 00:39:47,676 --> 00:39:50,429 but they are being overwhelmed by superior numbers. 668 00:40:08,697 --> 00:40:11,242 SS troops reach the castle gate 669 00:40:11,242 --> 00:40:13,119 and prepare to blast their way inside 670 00:40:13,119 --> 00:40:15,454 with a Panzerfaust rocket, 671 00:40:15,538 --> 00:40:18,916 an easy-to-use weapon which blows up tanks. 672 00:40:37,768 --> 00:40:40,771 The Waffen-SS suddenly hear tank noise from the rear, 673 00:40:40,855 --> 00:40:42,314 from the village. 674 00:40:43,107 --> 00:40:44,650 Without an armored unit of their own, 675 00:40:44,650 --> 00:40:48,988 the Waffen-SS are no match for the arriving U.S. tanks. 676 00:40:48,988 --> 00:40:53,200 They quickly realized, the Americans are coming. 677 00:40:53,325 --> 00:40:56,120 The Waffen-SS disappeared as quickly as possible. 678 00:41:00,458 --> 00:41:02,209 To Lee's relief, 679 00:41:02,293 --> 00:41:04,879 reinforcements have arrived just in time. 680 00:41:33,240 --> 00:41:35,451 Lee and the others holed up in Castle Itter 681 00:41:35,451 --> 00:41:37,369 have been saved. 682 00:41:43,042 --> 00:41:45,836 Lieutenant Lee, by this point, is exhausted. 683 00:41:46,045 --> 00:41:48,881 And when the commander of the 142nd comes up to him, 684 00:41:48,881 --> 00:41:52,009 he says, "Take 'em, Colonel, they're all yours." 685 00:41:53,969 --> 00:41:55,554 The battle for Castle Itter 686 00:41:55,638 --> 00:41:57,306 would be amongst the last ground combat 687 00:41:57,306 --> 00:41:59,808 of World War II in Europe. 688 00:42:01,977 --> 00:42:05,648 Only two days later, May 7, 1945, 689 00:42:06,190 --> 00:42:08,943 Germany surrenders unconditionally to the Allies. 690 00:42:10,444 --> 00:42:13,447 - - The fact the last battle fought in the European theatre of operations 691 00:42:13,531 --> 00:42:16,283 was not to conquer territory 692 00:42:16,492 --> 00:42:19,119 but to defend innocent prisoners 693 00:42:19,203 --> 00:42:21,830 must have been an incredibly uplifting moment 694 00:42:21,914 --> 00:42:23,624 for all those involved. 695 00:42:24,250 --> 00:42:26,335 The Americans evacuate the French VIPs 696 00:42:26,752 --> 00:42:27,962 to Innsbruck, Austria. 697 00:42:28,337 --> 00:42:31,382 Within days, they arrive home in France. 698 00:42:32,132 --> 00:42:35,052 Several would return to politics after the war. 699 00:42:36,303 --> 00:42:38,514 SS-Waffen Captain Kurt-Siegfried Schrader 700 00:42:38,514 --> 00:42:40,140 receives a letter, 701 00:42:40,558 --> 00:42:43,477 undersigned by the former prisoners, 702 00:42:43,561 --> 00:42:46,855 stating he ensured the safety of the French detainees 703 00:42:46,939 --> 00:42:49,149 and stayed with them during the German attacks. 704 00:42:49,608 --> 00:42:50,985 Schrader serves as a prisoner of war 705 00:42:50,985 --> 00:42:52,194 for only two years, 706 00:42:52,319 --> 00:42:54,238 before being released. 707 00:42:55,489 --> 00:42:59,076 In the end, when we judge the personality, 708 00:42:59,076 --> 00:43:00,911 we must always bear in mind 709 00:43:01,328 --> 00:43:04,873 there were many SS officers who didn't act like Schrader, 710 00:43:04,957 --> 00:43:07,585 who didn't change their mind. 711 00:43:08,252 --> 00:43:11,338 You can say Schrader showed more responsibility 712 00:43:11,755 --> 00:43:13,591 than most of his peers. 713 00:43:15,384 --> 00:43:17,636 Austria honors Major Josef Gangl 714 00:43:17,720 --> 00:43:19,722 for his work with the resistance 715 00:43:19,722 --> 00:43:21,765 and for his actions at Castle Itter. 716 00:43:23,434 --> 00:43:24,727 Lieutenant Jack Lee 717 00:43:24,727 --> 00:43:26,812 would be awarded the Distinguished Service Cross 718 00:43:26,812 --> 00:43:29,106 for his initiative, boldness, and courage 719 00:43:29,106 --> 00:43:31,025 in defense of Castle Itter. 720 00:43:32,735 --> 00:43:33,902 Lieutenant Lee himself 721 00:43:33,986 --> 00:43:36,530 summed it up years later when he was asked. 722 00:43:36,614 --> 00:43:39,658 He just said, "It was just the damnedest thing." 723 00:43:40,284 --> 00:43:43,746 It had been a long road since the beaches of Normandy. 724 00:43:44,204 --> 00:43:47,124 Peace, eleven months in the making. 725 00:43:47,416 --> 00:43:50,002 D-Day is only the beginning, and it's a really important beginning 726 00:43:50,628 --> 00:43:54,423 of almost a year of really intense fighting 727 00:43:54,548 --> 00:43:56,592 by a Western Allied coalition, 728 00:43:56,592 --> 00:43:58,927 all of whom need one another badly 729 00:43:59,178 --> 00:44:01,639 and all of whom sacrificed terribly, 730 00:44:02,056 --> 00:44:04,516 for this to come to a final victory. 57402

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