The Battle for Castle Ita

Throughout history, humans have engaged in warfare, following a simple set of rules: one side initiates a fight, the other side retaliates, and the cycle continues until a resolution is reached. However, sometimes war unfolds in unexpected ways, leading to bizarre and extraordinary events. Such was the case on May 5, 1945, just three days before the end of World War II in Europe, when a peculiar battle took place at Castle Ita.

This battle, in which American soldiers fought alongside their former enemies against a common foe, epitomizes the horror, absurdity, and courage that often intertwine on the battlefield. Join us as we delve into the extraordinary tale of the Battle for Castle Ita.

Perched atop a hill in the Austrian village of Ita, Castle Ita had a long and storied history. Initially built as a fortress in the 13th century, it served as a residence for nobility before being transformed into a hotel and later repurposed as a high-security prison during the Third Reich.

This castle became a unique holding place for VIP prisoners of war, known as the "Ehrenhäftlinge" or detainees of honor, who enjoyed relatively luxurious conditions compared to those in concentration camps.

As World War II neared its end, the situation became increasingly dangerous for the prisoners at Castle Ita. With the main Dachau concentration camp recently liberated by American troops, the guards at Ita Castle deserted, leaving the prisoners effectively free.

However, the area surrounding the castle was swarming with SS forces, given orders to eliminate any prisoners they encountered. The prisoners found themselves trapped, with a looming threat of an SS assault that could prove fatal.

Realizing the need for reinforcements, a plan was set in motion. Zvonimir Kuczewicz, a Yugoslav resistance fighter employed at the castle, was sent to seek help. He located a division of U.S. troops led by Major John Kramers and informed them of the dire situation at Ita Castle. The American soldiers immediately set out to assist but were forced back due to heavy shelling. Undeterred, the prisoners sent Andreas Krobat, a Czech chef and former prisoner, to find assistance elsewhere.

Krobat made his way to the town of Virgo, where he encountered members of the Austrian resistance. However, these individuals initially handed him over to Major Joseph Gangl, a former Nazi officer leading a unit of Vermacht soldiers who had defected to join the Austrian resistance. Gangl and his men had been defending Virgo against the SS and were sympathetic to the plight of the prisoners at Ita Castle.

Gangl, now joined by Captain Jack Lee of the U.S. 12th Armored Division, formed a makeshift coalition to rescue the prisoners. With only limited forces at their disposal, including a solitary tank and a total of 24 men, they prepared to face the impending SS attack. Although outnumbered, the defenders of Castle Ita possessed a fierce determination and the advantage of the castle's strategic layout.

On May 5, 1945, the SS launched a vicious assault on Castle Ita. The defenders, comprised of German and American soldiers fighting alongside the political prisoners, stood their ground with remarkable organization and resilience. Despite the enemy's superior weaponry, the defenders held firm. However, they eventually ran low on ammunition, and the situation seemed dire.

In a dramatic turn of events, former Wimbledon tennis champion Jean Borotra volunteered to join the fight. Dodging bullets, he managed to escape the besieged castle and found the nearby U.S. 142nd Infantry, alerting them to the urgent situation. Borotra joined the rescue mission, and the combined forces rushed to assist the defenders before their ammunition ran out.

The arrival of reinforcements turned the tide of the battle, and the SS forces were swiftly defeated. Approximately 100 SS soldiers were captured, and the prisoners of Castle Ita were finally liberated. Captain Jack Lee was honored for his bravery with a Distinguished Service Cross, and Major Gangl, the only casualty of the battle, was commemorated as a hero. Some of the freed prisoners went on to have a significant impact on post-war France.

The Battle for Castle Ita stands as a testament to the extraordinary circumstances and courage displayed by individuals caught in the chaos of war. Despite their differing backgrounds and nationalities, the defenders of Castle Ita forged an unlikely alliance to combat a common enemy. This remarkable tale reminds us of the power of unity and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.