Karl H Timmermann

On March 7th, 1945, a small advance party of the 9th US Tank Division, under the command of German-born lieutenant Karl H. Timmermann, successfully captured the bridge after two unsuccessful demolition attempts by the Germans.
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The capture is known in WW-II history as "The wonder of Remagen". General Eisenhower proclaimed that "the bridge is worth its weight in gold".

During the following days the German Army Central Command desperately tried to destroy the bridge with multiple bomb raids and SEAL attacks.

Hitler, blind with rage, ordered a special court-martial, which sentenced five officers to death. Four of those Hitler had shot in the close-by "Westerwald". On March 17, 1945, the severely damaged bridge collapsed and took 28 American soldiers down with it.


U.S. Army Awarded on: 1945 Action: By direction of the President, under the provisions of Army Regulations 600-45, 22 September 1943, as amended, the Distinguished Service Cross is Awarded by the Army Commander to Karl H. Timmermann (01311343), Second Lieutenant, Infantry, 27th Armored Infantry Battalion, 9th Armored Division, United States Army. For extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy on 7 March 1945, in Germany.