The Ludendorff Bridge, a vital rail and road crossing over the Rhine River in Remagen, Germany, was captured by American forces on March 7, 1945, during World War II. Its capture was significant as it provided the Allies with an unexpected route into Germany, facilitating rapid troop movements and supplies in the final offensives against the Axis powers. The bridge had survived several bombing raids, and its seizure was heralded as a major victory for the U.S. Army, offering a bridgehead for further operations into German territory.

Despite its capture, the bridge was heavily damaged from ongoing conflict and the intense artillery fire that ensued. The stresses of the structural damage, combined with the impact of the Allied bombardments and the weight of military equipment crossing it, led to its eventual collapse just ten days later. On March 17, 1945, the Ludendorff Bridge fell into the Rhine River, marking an end to its operational use and demonstrating the volatility of infrastructure in wartime.

The fall of the bridge highlighted the speed and unpredictability of military operations during World War II. It represented both a tactical victory and a logistical loss for the Allied forces, who had hoped to use it for their advantage in moving deeper into Germany without significant delays. The collapse also illustrated the consequences of war on infrastructure and the challenges of maintaining vital supply routes under combat conditions.