Rhine River Assault

The final river barrier crossed before the war ended in Europe.

The Rhine River Assault was the final major combat operation for Easy Company in Europe. Occurring in the spring of 1945, the crossing of the Rhine—Germany's last great natural defensive line—signaled that the war was nearing its end. For the men of E Company, this assault marked the transition from frontline infantry to occupation duties, as shortly after securing the bridgehead, orders arrived to pull them out of the line. The unit was later reassigned to other duties, but not to guard prisoner-of-war camps near Innsbruck, Austria.

Quick Facts

Affiliation

101st Airborne Division
Easy Company
506th PIR

Location

Rhine River, Western Germany

Key figures

Captain Winters
Lewis Nixon
Donald Malarkey

Reader's Guide

The operation begins with reconnaissance and preparation along the riverbanks during late winter or early spring conditions. Easy Company utilizes assault boats to ferry troops across the water under cover of darkness to minimize exposure to enemy fire. Once ashore, paratroopers secure a beachhead against German defenses, establishing a foothold on the western bank of Germany. The success of this crossing allows Allied forces to push deeper into the Reich without facing the river as a barrier. Shortly after securing the position, high command orders the unit out of active combat roles due to attrition and shifting strategic needs. This event concludes the primary frontline service for Easy Company in Europe before they are reassigned to occupation duties.