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 »

Sergeant Alexander Drabik, the first American soldier to cross the bridge at Remagen, receiving the Distinguished Service Cross for his heroism. April 5, 1945. US Army Signal Corps photograph taken by J Malan Heslop. Photograph »