Battle of Frankfurt

The Battle of Frankfurt was a four day struggle for control of Frankfurt am Main during World War II. The 5th Infantry Division made the main attack while the 6th Armored Division supported the attack. The city was defended by the LXXX Corps of the Seventh Army.

With the 5th Infantry Division crossing the Rhine on 22 March, they quickly established a bridgehead. By 23 March, the 5th had expanded their bridgehead 5 miles east putting them only 14 miles southwest of Frankfurt. On 25 March the 6th Armored crossed the Rhine at Oppenheim and pushed north towards the city. On 26 March the 5th reached the southern outskirts of the city and captured the Rhine-Main airbase. The 6th met up with the 5th and they pushed through the southern outskirts to the Main. The 5th found an intact bridge across the river much to their surprise, crossed it under heavy fire on 27 March and entered the city. The two divisions then fought the Germans in fierce house to house combat, slowly pushing through the city. On 29 March the city was brought under American control however small sporadic fighting continued until 4 April.

After capturing Frankfurt, the 5th division enjoyed a few days of rest inside the captured city until 7 April when they were ordered to head north to support the III Corps of the First Army in the Ruhr Pocket.