Engineer Operations in the Rhine Crossing

The Rhine River has been long recognized as one of the most formidable obstacles to military movement on the European Continent, and its crossing was the object of the most intensive planning and preparatory effort made by Ninth Army while operating in the European Theater. The brilliant fulfillment of the Engineer mission in the assault crossing of that river will ever be a tribute to the fighting spirit, skill and determination of the officers and men who achieved it. In addition to the outstanding accomplishments of those directly engaged in the crossing, the unfailing enthusiasm and technical proficiency of supporting Engineer elements played a major part in the success of the operation. It is regretted that the complete story of the actions of some of these supporting units had to be, of necessity, subordinated to those of the assault units in this report of the crossing. Effort has been made to make this report of value to the student of military operations, as well as of interest to the casual reader. Contents include information on the missions, intelligence, planning and preparation, training, supply, operation, and camouflage.