What the German Major Said When He Asked the Americans for Help
On May 5, 1945, as the war in Europe was drawing to a close, a remarkable and bizarre scene unfolded in the Tullian Alps of Austria. With less than three days left before the official end of World War II in Europe, the remnants of the German army were surrendering in droves. However, high atop a medieval fortress known as Castle, an extraordinary event was taking place—one that would be remembered as the only instance in history where American and German soldiers fought side by side as allies.
The Context: A Fortress of High-Profile Prisoners
Castle was no ordinary prison. It was a luxurious stronghold, repurposed by the Nazis to hold high-profile French prisoners, including former Prime Ministers and military leaders. Among them were Édouard Daladier, Paul Reynaud, General Maxim Weygand, and even Jean Barotra, a famous tennis star. These men, once powerful figures in France, found themselves trapped in a castle surrounded by SS troops who were rapidly losing control as the war neared its end.
By early May 1945, the situation had grown desperate. The SS commander of the castle, Sebastian Vimemer, recognized that the war was lost and that he faced a dire fate if captured. Under orders from Heinrich Himmler, he knew that no prisoners were to leave alive. On May 4, in a moment of panic, Vimemer abandoned his post, leaving the French VIPs unguarded but surrounded by the fanatical 17th SS Panzer Grenadier Division, notorious for executing anyone attempting to surrender.
The Dilemma: A German Major’s Decision
As the SS troops closed in, the French prisoners armed themselves with weapons left behind by fleeing guards. However, they were old men, not soldiers, and they needed help. Meanwhile, Major Joseph Gangal, a Wehrmacht officer, was grappling with his own moral dilemmas. A decorated hero from the Eastern Front, Gangal despised the Nazis and had been secretly aiding the Austrian resistance.
When a messenger from the castle—a Czech cook—arrived with news of the French prisoners’ plight, Gangal faced a critical choice. He could not fight the SS alone, but he could not allow them to massacre the French leaders. In a bold move, he grabbed a white flag, jumped into his Kubelwagen, and drove toward the American lines, seeking an ally in the fight against the SS.
The Encounter: An American Captain’s Gamble
Just a few miles away, Captain John Jack Lee of the U.S. 12th Armored Division was leading a reconnaissance unit. Lee was the quintessential American tank commander—tough, loud, and charismatic, with a cigar perpetually clamped between his teeth. When Gangal approached with the white flag, Lee instinctively reached for his pistol but quickly saw that Gangal was unarmed and saluting.
Gangal explained the dire situation, and Captain Lee, although skeptical, recognized an opportunity. “All right, Fritz, let’s go get him,” he said, deciding to risk it all. He radioed his headquarters, announcing he was taking a rescue mission to Castle, accompanied by the German major. His superiors questioned his sanity, but they granted him permission.
Lee assembled a small force comprising two tanks, seven infantrymen, and Gangal’s truckload of Wehrmacht soldiers. This unusual convoy—a mix of American and German soldiers—set off toward the SS-held territory, a symbol of unity against a common enemy.
The Assault: Fighting Side by Side
As they approached Castle, they encountered SS roadblocks. The American tank, affectionately named Besotten Jenny, blasted through the barriers, while Gangal’s men fired their rifles at the SS. They fought their way to the castle gates, where the French VIPs awaited, confused by the sight of their would-be rescuers.
“Where is the rest of the army?” they asked, only to be met with Lee’s wry grin: “I am it.” Captain Lee took command, directing the French leaders to take cover and positioning his tank at the main gate. For the first time in years, German and American soldiers shared cigarettes and food, united by a common cause as they prepared for the impending assault.
On the morning of May 5, the fog lifted, revealing the advancing SS troops. About 150 men from the 17th SS Panzer Grenadiers were determined to eliminate the perceived traitors. They opened fire on the castle, and the defenders—now including the French VIPs—fought back with whatever weapons they could muster.
The Tragedy: A Hero Falls
As the battle raged, Major Gangal was on the walls directing fire when he noticed Prime Minister Paul Reynaud exposing himself to enemy fire. In a heroic act, Gangal pushed Reynaud out of the way, only to be struck by a sniper’s bullet. The German officer died, sacrificing himself to save a French politician. His death marked a poignant moment in the battle—a German soldier fighting against the Nazis, embodying the very spirit of resistance.
With Gangal gone, the defenders were running low on ammunition, and the SS were preparing for a final assault. Captain Lee, aware of the dire situation, knew they could not hold out much longer. The tank was destroyed, and they were left with only rifles against a determined enemy.
The Race Against Time: A Last Hope
In a desperate bid for help, tennis star Jean Barotra volunteered to run for reinforcements. He sprinted across the open field, dodging SS bullets, and miraculously made it to an American relief column. Breathless, he implored them to hurry to the castle.
Back at the fortress, the SS were poised to breach the gates. Captain Lee prepared for hand-to-hand combat, while his men checked their magazines, realizing they were nearly out of ammunition. Just as the situation seemed hopeless, the sound of engines filled the air. The 142nd Infantry Regiment arrived, Sherman tanks and soldiers ready to engage.
As the Americans opened fire on the SS, the tide of battle turned. The SS troops, realizing they were trapped, scattered into the woods, and the siege was broken. Relief soldiers rushed into the castle, finding Captain Lee exhausted but triumphant. “What took you so long?” he asked, a weary grin on his face.
The Aftermath: Heroes Remembered
The French VIPs were safely evacuated, and within days, the war in Europe officially ended. Captain Jack Lee received the Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery, while Major Joseph Gangal was buried in the town of Veral, remembered as a hero in Austria. A street was named in his honor, recognizing the German soldier who fought against the Nazis.
The battle for Castle, though a small skirmish in the grand scheme of World War II, proved a significant point: even amidst the greatest conflicts, humanity can shine through. Enemies can become allies, and individuals can choose to do the right thing, even when the world seems mad.
Years later, when asked about that fateful day, Captain Lee would reflect with a smile, “It was the weirdest thing I ever saw. Me and the Krauts fighting side by side.” The story of Castle remains a testament to the unexpected bonds forged in the heat of battle, a strange yet heroic ending to a terrible war.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Humanity
The events at Castle serve as a reminder of the complexities of war and the capacity for humanity to emerge even in the darkest times. Major Gangal’s sacrifice and Captain Lee’s bravery highlight the potential for cooperation and understanding, transcending national and ideological divides. As we reflect on this remarkable moment in history, we are reminded that courage and compassion can prevail, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
