90 Infantry Division (USA) final assault Mainz
The assault on the stronghold began on March 22nd with six infantry battalions converging from every side.
The infantry had been alerted to expect bitter house to house fighting, particularly so since the suburban approaches had been so aggressively defended.
But Mainz, it developed, was a "snap". A few isolated groups at intersections attempted a last ditch stand, some resistance was found in the city park, but these forces were quickly and effectively silenced and overwhelmed. The radio station was captured intact. Colonel Weiss, the City Commandant, surrendered.
Streets and roads were heavily mined, but the disillusioned civilians, sick to death of Nazi lies and tired of war, volunteered to lead the Americans safely through the maze of mines.
Engineers swept the streets clear of mines, and by nightfall the city of Mainz was cleared. Four thousand prisoners had been gathered into the Division's cages. There now remained but one barrier into the heart of Germany.
On this barrier the German High Command relied with hope verging on desperation, the broad river behind which the German nation was marshaling its forces for a final stand... the historic Rhine.
But even as troops of the 90th were clearing the debris-strewn streets of Mainz, the 5th Infantry Division of the Third Army had crossed the river in a daring maneuver which stunned the enemy by its unexpected swiftness. And now the 90th was to play its final epic role in the Battle of Europe.