The True Story Behind Inglourious Basterds “Operation Greenup”

World War II is often remembered for its large-scale battles and political upheavals, but behind the scenes, covert missions played a critical role in shaping the conflict’s outcome. Espionage was a key aspect of the war, with daring operations carried out by individuals who risked everything to undermine enemy plans. One such operation, codenamed “Greenup,” stands out as a remarkable feat of courage and ingenuity. Though lesser-known, it served as inspiration for elements of Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds.

The Initiation of Operation Greenup

Operation Greenup began in February 1945, as the war in Europe neared its end. The Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the precursor to the CIA, sent two young Jewish refugees, Frederick Mayer and Hans Wijnberg, deep behind German lines. Both had fled Europe years earlier to escape persecution, eventually settling in Brooklyn. At just 23 and 22 years old, respectively, Mayer and Wijnberg volunteered for the OSS, eager to strike back against the regime that had uprooted their lives.

Their mission was to parachute into the Austrian province of Tyrol to gather intelligence on German troop movements and rail traffic through the Brenner Pass, a key supply route between Italy and Austria. Allied planners hoped this information would reveal whether Germany was preparing a last-ditch stand in the Alpine region, which some suspected could become a heavily fortified “redoubt.” The two operatives, fluent in German and familiar with European culture, used their resourcefulness to navigate this dangerous mission. Mayer and Wijnberg even devised an unusual code system for their operations, naming Tyrolean locations after spots in Brooklyn to baffle German forces if their plans were intercepted.

The duo soon gained an important ally in Franz Weber, a former German army lieutenant who had grown disillusioned with the regime. Weber had seen the brutal reality of the war firsthand, serving on multiple fronts, including Yugoslavia, where he fought against partisan forces. Haunted by what he described as the regime’s attempt to turn Europe into a massive “concentration camp,” Weber defected and offered his assistance to the OSS. His intimate knowledge of the area and military operations made him an invaluable member of the team.

Undermining German Operations and Securing Innsbruck’s Surrender

Together, the three men worked to undermine German operations in the region. They transmitted critical reports to the OSS station in Bari, Italy, detailing troop movements and rail activity. Their findings ultimately debunked the myth of an Alpine stronghold, which some Allied leaders feared could prolong the war. Instead, the intelligence revealed that German forces were disorganized and lacked the resources to mount a concentrated defense in the south.

Mayer, the leader of the group, faced incredible danger during the mission. Captured by the German secret police, he endured brutal torture but refused to betray his comrades or the details of their work. Despite this, he managed to build relationships with local officials, including Franz Hofer, the German governor of Tyrol. Hofer, realizing the war was lost and fearing retribution, began secret negotiations with Mayer. These discussions eventually led to the peaceful surrender of Innsbruck, the provincial capital, to the U.S. 7th Army on May 3, 1945. Innsbruck was spared the devastation that had reduced many other cities to rubble, saving countless lives on both sides.

Civilian Support and the Legacy of Operation Greenup

The success of Operation Greenup is even more remarkable considering the risks taken by civilians who supported the team. Anna Niederkircher, the mother of Weber’s fiancée, provided them with food, shelter, and moral support despite the constant threat of exposure. Her courage exemplified the quiet defiance of ordinary people resisting the regime. At one point, in a moment of despair, she reportedly declared, “If [Germany] wins the war, then I don’t believe in God anymore,” capturing the hopelessness many felt under the oppressive regime.

Although Operation Greenup achieved significant results, it remains a relatively obscure chapter of the war. Its dramatic elements—a band of refugees, a disillusioned German officer, and the bravery of local civilians—make it a story worthy of a major motion picture. Mayer, Wijnberg, and Weber showed how resourcefulness, courage, and the desire to fight for justice could make a difference in the face of overwhelming odds.