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History, Reference, Research, and GrogTalk => Military (and other) History => Topic started by: steve58 on May 04, 2021, 09:48:43 AM

Title: Operation Cowboy
Post by: steve58 on May 04, 2021, 09:48:43 AM
I had thought the collaboration of German and American forces in WW2 was a one of (at Castle Itter), but (as usual) I was wrong.  There was also Operation Cowboy (https://militaryhistorynow.com/2018/11/25/operation-cowboy-how-american-gis-german-soldiers-joined-forces-to-save-the-legendary-lipizzaner-horses-in-the-final-hours-of-ww2/).  This collaboration involved combat, and rescuing POWs and hundreds of horses, including many of the famed Lipizzaner horses...that the Russians were eyeing for meat.
Title: Re: Operation Cowboy
Post by: Jarhead0331 on May 04, 2021, 10:05:11 AM
Quote from: steve58 on May 04, 2021, 09:48:43 AM
I had thought the collaboration of German and American forces in WW2 was a one of (at Castle Itter), but (as usual) I was wrong.  There was also Operation Cowboy (https://militaryhistorynow.com/2018/11/25/operation-cowboy-how-american-gis-german-soldiers-joined-forces-to-save-the-legendary-lipizzaner-horses-in-the-final-hours-of-ww2/).  This collaboration involved combat, and rescuing POWs and hundreds of horses, including many of the famed Lipizzaner horses...that the Russians were eyeing for meat.

I saw this story posted somewhere in a facebook group recently.

I found it interesting, but ironic. My take away from it was that the Germans largely treated horses with greater dignity and respect than they did humans, and this fact shouldn't be lost within a story that is intended to elevate by describing this episode as an act of courage and honor. At least the Russians were consistent...they raped and killed everything standing in their way on the road to Berlin.
Title: Re: Operation Cowboy
Post by: Tripoli on May 04, 2021, 01:32:52 PM
Speking of Castle Itter: They have done a "Pavlov's House" version of the battle: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1568240/Castle_Itter__The_Strangest_Battle_of_WWII/

For the Castle Itter Story: https://militaryhistorynow.com/2013/05/13/new-book-explores-bizarre-final-battle-of-war-in-europe/
Title: Re: Operation Cowboy
Post by: ArizonaTank on May 04, 2021, 03:07:36 PM
Quote from: Tripoli on May 04, 2021, 01:32:52 PM
Speking of Castle Itter: They have done a "Pavlov's House" version of the battle: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1568240/Castle_Itter__The_Strangest_Battle_of_WWII/

For the Castle Itter Story: https://militaryhistorynow.com/2013/05/13/new-book-explores-bizarre-final-battle-of-war-in-europe/

Yes, bizarre and interesting story... 

Wonder if anyone has the movie rights?
Title: Re: Operation Cowboy
Post by: Tripoli on May 04, 2021, 03:32:25 PM
Quote from: ArizonaTank on May 04, 2021, 03:07:36 PM
Quote from: Tripoli on May 04, 2021, 01:32:52 PM
Speking of Castle Itter: They have done a "Pavlov's House" version of the battle: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1568240/Castle_Itter__The_Strangest_Battle_of_WWII/

For the Castle Itter Story: https://militaryhistorynow.com/2013/05/13/new-book-explores-bizarre-final-battle-of-war-in-europe/

Yes, bizarre and interesting story... 

Wonder if anyone has the movie rights?

When the "Last Battle" book came out, I was sure that somebody would have begun a movie.  I can't believe it hasn't been done yet.   The script writes itself.  It is just such a good story