On 21 March 1945, the Fifth Infantry Division was alerted to prepare to launch a surprise night crossing of the Rhine River at Oppenheim, Germany. Despite the haste involved in the assault timing, engineers made elaborate preparations for supporting the infantry and bridging the river. The crossing of the Rhine in assault boats by the 11th Infantry Regiment at 2200 hours on 22 March was lightly opposed and successful. On 23 March other regiments of the Fifth Infantry Division crossed the river and exploitation of the bridgehead began on 24 March. The Fifth Infantry Division crossed the Rhine River without benefit of aerial bombardment, artillery preparation, ground smoke, or airborne assistance. This operation is an excellent example of a well planned and ably executed river crossing by an Army on the move.

SPECIAL 940.5421 R473 c.1; ADA165907 Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.