On the night of March 26, 1945, a group of British special forces paratroopers and Italian partisans conducted Operation Tombola, attacking the German 51st Mountain Corps, highlighting remarkable acts of bravery from soldiers like Rafael Ramos Masens, who displayed extraordinary courage in enemy territory.
Rafael Ramos Masens, a former Spanish Republican combatant, exhibited outstanding bravery during Operation Tombola by storming the Villa Rossi, killing multiple enemy officers, and risking his life to save a wounded captain from enemy fire.
The operation was distinguished not only by the valor of soldiers like Ramos Masens but also underscored the complexity of wartime alliances, with British forces collaborating with Italian partisans to undermine German positions behind enemy lines.
Despite the intense enemy retaliation and the challenges faced while carrying an injured officer on a makeshift stretcher, Ramos Masens's actions during the two-day ordeal earned him the Military Medal, highlighting his extraordinary dedication to duty.
Collection
[
|
...
]