History Daily The Battle for Castle Itter
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May 5, 2026 A strange wartime alliance forms as Austrian locals and American soldiers team up to defend a castle against a Nazi attack. The story follows risky journeys to summon help and bold efforts to fortify the stronghold with scant resources. Reinforcements arrive after daring escapes and tense skirmishes, leading to an unexpected liberation.
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Gangl's Final Act Of Sacrifice
- Major Josef Gangl ran to pull an exposed French prisoner back during the Itter Castle fight and was struck by a sniper's bullet.
- Gangl died on May 5, 1945, clutching his wounds as the battle continued and Nazi Germany collapsed 300 miles away in Berlin.
White Flag Rescue Mission To The Americans
- Major Gangl sought American help for high-profile French prisoners at Itter Castle and rode to meet U.S. tanks in Kufstein with a white flag and an English letter.
- Lieutenant Jack Lee read the letter, verified the plea, then agreed to mount a rescue mission with Gangl.
Enemies United By Immediate Survival
- The defense of Itter Castle became a literal alliance of recent enemies: 14 Americans, 10 German soldiers, and French prisoners fought together against SS troops.
- Their cooperation was pragmatic and immediate, driven by survival and shared opposition to diehard SS units.