The Bridge at Remagen — Germany
March 7 1945 — American forces capture the last intact bridge across the Rhine. The race to cross and hold it.
The Ludendorff Bridge fell into American hands because German demolition charges failed to detonate properly. Eisenhower called its capture 'worth its weight in gold.' Within 24 hours, the bridgehead was established; within 10 days, five divisions were across. The bridge itself collapsed on March 17, killing 28 American engineers.