75th Anniversary of Patton Crossing the Rhein

Late at night on March 22nd, 1945, General George S. Patton and some of his legendary Third Army crossed the Rhine River into central Germany. This weekend marks the 75th anniversary of this historic event – although due to the current Covid-19 restrictions, all events commemorating the crossing have been cancelled.

For a quick trip outside in the fresh air, and a chance to honor the occasion, Palatinate member Emily Ryan drove 30 minutes to the location of the monument in Nierstein, Rheinland-Palatinate (the state our chapter is named after).

March 22nd, 2020 – Palatinate Chapter member visits the commemorative site of Patton’s historic crossing of the Rhine.

This crossing was an important step in bringing the conflict to a close on May 8th, 1945. In fact, it was the first time an invading force had crossed the Rhein into Germany since Napoleon! You can read more about the day and how Patton channeled William the Conqueror in the article “Patton’s Entrance into Germany.

March 22nd, 2020 – (socially distanced) visitors read the German explanation of the commemoration site.