Insignia of the 9th Armored Division. Although no nickname for the 9th was in common usage throughout the war, "Phantom" division was sometimes used in 1945. It originated during the Battle of the Bulge, when the 9th Armored Division seemed, like a phantom, to be everywhere along the front. Photograph »

The commanding general of the 9th Armored Division (third from right), and members of the division who won the Distinguished Service Cross pose with the sign placed on the Ludendorff Bridge after its capture. US Army Signal Corps photograph taken by W. Spangle on September 18, 1945, several months after the bridge was captured. Photograph »

The sign erected by the 9th Armored division on the Ludendorff bridge after its capture. March 11, 1945. US Army Signal Corps photograph taken by W. Spangle. Photograph »

Members of the US 9th Armored Division meet up with Soviet units near Linz, Austria. This photograph was taken by Signal Corps photographer Arnold E. Samuelson. Austria, May 2, 1945. Photograph »

Members of the US 9th Armored Division meet up with Soviet units near Linz, Austria. This photograph was taken by Signal Corps photographer Arnold E. Samuelson. Austria, May 2, 1945. Photograph »