WWII Parachute Remains Unearthed in Austrian alps Linked to Daring ‘Operation Greenup’
A remarkable archaeological revelation in the Stubai Alps has revealed the remarkably preserved remains of a parachute used by US secret agents during World War II. The find, recovered in August by a team from the Ötztal Museums, offers a rare glimpse into the clandestine operations conducted behind enemy lines in the final months of the war.
A Frozen Legacy of Courage
For eight decades, the remnants of the parachute lay hidden beneath the ice, a silent testament to a daring mission. The discovery includes ropes, textiles, chest straps, and carabiners – all believed to be components of the equipment used by agents involved in “Operation Greenup,” also known as “Codename Brooklyn.” According to a senior official at the Ötztal Museums, this is “a special find” with significant past implications.
The Mission: Intelligence Gathering Over the Brenner Pass
In February 1945, three agents from the US military intelligence agency, the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), parachuted into the Alps with the objective of gathering intelligence on German troop movements and arms deliveries through the Brenner Pass. The team consisted of two Jewish agents, Fred Mayer and Hans Wijnberg, and an Austrian Wehrmacht deserter, Franz Weber. Their landing site was a glacier in the Sulztal valley.
The archaeological find holds immense historical value, as the mission – and especially the contributions of Fred Mayer – played a crucial role in preventing the destruction of Innsbruck towards the end of the war. It is indeed even alleged that filmmaker Quentin Tarantino drew inspiration from this operation for his acclaimed film, Inglourious Basterds.
Confirming the Connection
To verify the origin of the recovered materials, researchers meticulously compared the artifacts with historical records. A spokesperson for the Ötztal Museums stated to ORF Tirol that this year’s focus on National Socialism in the region made the discovery particularly poignant. Historical accounts suggest the agents buried their parachutes in the snow after landing and sought refuge in the abandoned Amberg hut, a detail that aligns with the location of the find.
“That’s pretty consistent with what we found,” the spokesperson added. The recovered items – including ropes, English-printed military tarpaulins, carabiners, textile fragments, and chest straps – provide compelling evidence supporting the link to “Operation Greenup.”
The materials, understandably, are in fragile condition after decades encased in ice. A detailed reconstruction process is now underway. Once the artifacts are fully secured and analyzed, thay will be put on public display in museums, allowing future generations to connect with this remarkable chapter of wartime history.
This “lucky find,” as described by museum officials, underscores the enduring power of archaeological discoveries to illuminate the past and honor the courage of those who served.
Expanded News Report – Answering the Questions
Why did this happen? The parachute remnants were discovered due to glacial melt in the Stubai Alps, revealing a piece of equipment used during a clandestine WWII intelligence gathering mission, “Operation Greenup.” The mission aimed to gather data on German troop movements through the Brenner pass.
Who was involved? The operation involved three agents from the US office of Strategic Services (OSS): Fred Mayer, Hans Wijnberg (both jewish agents), and Franz Weber (an Austrian Wehrmacht deserter). The discovery was made by a team from the Ötztal Museums. Museum officials and researchers from ORF Tirol are also involved in the analysis and verification.
**What was discovered
