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CHAPTER XII |
| The 5th Infantry Division struck swiftly
across the Rhine at ten o'clock in the evening of March 22nd,
choosing the Rhenish city of Nierstein for its crossing site. Initial
resistance was almost nonexistent, and the 5th drove forward
virtually unopposed. Bridging operations were immediately begun as the
entire weight of the Third Army was thrown into the sector. All roads to
Nierstein were crowded with trucks, armor and artillery moving into assembly
areas, waiting impatiently for the dash across the Rhine. Originally the plans called for the 5th to make the crossing, to be followed by two armored divisions and then the 89th and the 90th Divisions in that order. Now, however, those plans were suddenly changed. Corps telephoned, "Assemble two regiments in reserve at once prepared to cross the Rhine tonight". Developments followed with dramatic rapidity. Victory was in the air, and American troops sensed that this was the beginning of the final phase of the war. There was no stopping them now as they moved in for the kill. The 357th Regiment was immediately dispatched to the bridging site, crossed the Rhine on the afternoon of the 23rd, and was attached to the 5th Division until the remainder of the 90th arrived. By this time the enemy had begun to react to the disaster which had overtaken them. The Luftwaffe flew sorties against the bridging site, bombing and strafing in a furious attempt to destroy equipment and personnel, to halt at all costs the endless swarm of troops across the German river. Enemy artillery became active, and disorganized groups counterattacked continuously in an effort to contain the bridgehead. The 357th relieved elements of the 5th Division at once, and became involved almost immediately in a violent enemy counterattack of battalion strength. The attack was finally overcome with 250 prisoners taken. The Regiment moved forward rapidly, brushing aside resistance as it went. The remainder of the Division crossed the Rhine via bridge throughout the day of March 24th and took its place in the line at once. The 4th Armored also effected a crossing, passed through the 90th's sector, and began a powerful lashing drive to the Main River to the north. |
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