34. Fighting Off the SS
By May 5th, 1945, it was clear to everybody that the war in Europe was over. Hitler had committed suicide, the Soviets had captured Berlin, the Red Banner was flying over the Reichstag, and the Third Reich had all but crumbled. However, to Nazi diehards and SS fanatics, the war was still there to be fought. During the night of May 4-5, the SS launched probing attacks against Castle Itter. They were beaten back by its defending American and Germany Army soldiers, aided by prisoners armed with whatever they could lay their hands on.
On the morning of May 5th, about 150 Waffen-SS launched their main attack. Captain Lee’s tank, Besotten Jenny, provided machinegun support, until it was destroyed by an 88 mm gun. The outnumbered and outgunned defenders kept up a desperate resistance, while Lee frantically sought help from any nearby American unit. He finally got through later that afternoon, and a rescue force was sent.
