Men of Freedom Michael Geisler

Genre: Symphonic concert work

Operation Greenup was one of the most successful espionage missions against Nazi Germany during World War II.

It was carried out by the American intelligence agency OSS (Office of Strategic Services). On February 26, 1945, three agents Fred Mayer, Hans Wijnberg, and Tyrolean Wehrmacht deserter Franz Weber from Oberperfuss parachuted onto the Sulztal Glacier in the Stubai Alps. They had to fight through deep snow and difficult terrain to reach their target.

Their mission was to gather intelligence on German Wehrmacht transport movements along the Brenner Pass railway and radio this information to the U.S. command in southern Italy. This intelligence was intended to help disrupt Nazi supply lines. They made contact with local resistance groups, who helped them navigate the region and collect information. Especially vital was the support of Franz Weber's family.

Fred Mayer posed as a German officer and was thus able to collect valuable intelligence on troop movements and supply routes. Hans Wijnberg operated a radio transmitter to send the gathered intelligence to the OSS headquarters. Fred Mayer was eventually arrested and tortured by the Gestapo but did not divulge any information. Thanks to his resilience and the support of the local resistance, he was able to escape. The intelligence they gathered played a significant role in disrupting the Wehrmacht's supply lines and in the bloodless liberation of Innsbruck by Allied forces in May 1945.

This mission stands as an impressive example of courage, ingenuity, and cooperation in the face of great danger.