The final battle of WW2 in Europe was an odd affair. On May 5, after Hitler’s suicide but just before Germany’s unconditional surrender, American Army forces of the 23rd tank battalion joined with German Wehrmacht units to defend castle Itter from the 17th SS Panzergrenadier Division.

Yes, you read that right.

Not a large action, it was nevertheless an odd one, and the only known battle in WW2 where US and German army forces fought side by side.

Oh, and just because I love the song so much, I’m also adding the title track from this album, “The last Stand”.