General Dwight D. Eisenhower called the March 7, 1945, capture of the bridge at Remagen “one of those bright opportunities of the war.” The Rhine River was the last natural barrier left open to Germany’s heartland. As Allied troops advanced, the only bridge still spanning the river was the Ludendorff railroad bridge at Remagen.
The 9th U.S. Armored Division took control of the strategically vital bridge only minutes before German forces had planned to destroy the Rhine crossing. What followed was an intense battle for the Americans to cross—and for the Germans to blow up—the bridge first.
After 18 days, fierce German counterattacks were finally repulsed allowing American troops to cross the Rhine without resorting to the lesser option of utilizing pontoon boats. Gaining their foothold they continued the battle, and within two months Germany surrendered. Military historian Mitch Yockelson shares the story of the Battle of Remagen and how this pivotal action ultimately shortened the war in Europe.
General Information
