In the wirephoto which appeared on the front page of almost every U.S. newspaper, the Ludendorff Bridge at Remagen did not look like a thing of beauty. Its squat towers, like two massive beer mugs ...

On March 7, 1945, American forces of the 9th Armored Division made a stunning breakthrough—they captured the Ludendorff Bridge at Remagen intact, giving the Allies an unexpected crossing over ...