On 4 February, Peiper met for the last time with Himmler at his provisional headquarters. After that he fought in the Operation Southwind. His unit took part in Operation Spring Awakening, which failed. Although Peiper's unit inflicted a large number of casualties, due to his aggressive style of command he lost many men. On 1 May, as LSSAH was forced into Austria, Peiper's men were informed of Hitler's death. On 8 May, the LSSAH received the order to cross the Enns and surrender to the American troops. Instead of surrendering, Peiper chose to trek home. He was apprehended on 22 May by American troops.