The 89th Infantry Division’s Rhine Crossing: Training for Victory

The crossing of the Rhine River by Allied forces in March 1945 served as a pivotal moment in World War II, marking the beginning of the final push into Nazi Germany. The 89th Infantry Division, known as the “Rolling W” for its distinctive shoulder patch, played a crucial role in this historic event, forging the assault across the Rhine under heavy fire. The division’s success was largely due to the intensive pre-deployment training its Soldiers had undergone since the unit’s activation almost three years earlier in July 1942. This rigorous regimen, which focused on physical fitness, combat skills, and unit cohesion, prepared 89th Soldiers for the challenges they would face in the European theater. The final pre-deployment training in Europe, with its emphasis on forced marches and combat problems, honed their skills and readiness for the assault crossing of the Rhine. The 89th Infantry Division’s achievements during this pivotal battle serve as a testament to the critical importance of thorough pre-deployment training for modern military forces.

Rigorous Training Regimen

The 89th Infantry Division’s journey to the Rhine began with a grueling training program that pushed the limits of Soldiers’ endurance and combat readiness. From the moment it was activated, the emphasis was on building a force capable of withstanding the rigors of modern warfare of the time. Physical fitness was a top priority, with Soldiers engaging in forced marches, obstacle courses, patrols, and endurance tests designed to build stamina and toughness. The division’s training regimen was relentless, with frequent forced marches under full combat load. Obstacle courses challenged Soldiers’ agility, strength, and determination, featuring obstacles such as walls, trenches, and barbed wire that simulated the conditions they would encounter on the battlefield.

Combat skills were honed through live-fire exercises, simulated attacks, and proficiency tests that ensured every Soldier was an expert with their assigned weapons and equipment. Soldiers spent countless hours on the firing range, mastering the use of rifles, machine guns, and other infantry weapons. They also received extensive training in tactics, fieldcraft, and combat communications, ensuring they could operate effectively as part of a cohesive fighting force.

Unit cohesion was another critical aspect of the training, with the division participating in large-scale maneuvers that tested its ability to operate as a unified fighting force. In November 1943, the 89th slogged through the mud and swamps of Louisiana during maneuvers, testing Soldier resilience and teamwork under challenging conditions. These exercises involved coordinating the movement and actions of personnel, vehicles, and support units, simulating the complexities of real combat operations.

The Louisiana maneuvers were a grueling test of the division’s endurance and adaptability. Soldiers had to navigate through dense swamps and marshes, often wading through waist-deep water while carrying their equipment. They faced simulated enemy attacks, artillery barrages, and logistical challenges, all while maintaining their cohesion and operational effectiveness.

These maneuvers revealed several areas needing improvement. In remarks made to his officers, MG Thomas Finley, the commanding general of the 89th, stated: “We are well shaken down; we have discovered deficiencies in our equipment and organization and I know we also have discovered some deficiencies in our men. This is the period in which regimental and battalion commanders must give thought to the functioning of their units, particularly their staffs. You can’t make a one-man show out of running your outfit. You must have a smooth-running staff. If you have command difficulties in the subordinate units, it is time to make adjustments…”

The Louisiana maneuvers were followed by two months of strenuous training in the hills and canyons of California’s Hunter Liggett Military Reservation, where Soldiers hacked trails through brush, packed supplies up steep grades, and engaged in simulated combat scenarios. Soldiers learned to navigate through dense forests and conduct operations in difficult terrain, honing their skills in land navigation, patrolling, and small-unit tactics. They also participated in live-fire exercises and simulated assaults, testing their ability to coordinate infantry, artillery, and other supporting elements in realistic combat scenarios.

The rugged terrain and extreme conditions of the Hunter Liggett training area provided an ideal environment for preparing the division for the challenges they would face in Europe and to work out the issues discovered during the Louisiana maneuvers.

These exercises not only prepared the division for the physical demands of combat but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and trust among the men, which would prove invaluable on the battlefield. The shared hardships and challenges of the training process created strong bonds between Soldiers, fostering a sense of unity and mutual reliance that would be essential in battle.

Throughout the training process, the 89th Infantry Division’s leadership emphasized the importance of discipline, attention to detail, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Soldiers were constantly evaluated and held to the highest standards, ensuring that they were prepared to meet the demands of combat operations. This uncompromising approach to training instilled a sense of confidence and professionalism within the division, enabling them to face the challenges of the Rhine crossing and subsequent operations with determination and resilience.

The final months before deployment were spent at Camp Butner, NC, where the division engaged in yet another series of intensive training exercises focused on forced marches, proficiency tests, and combat problems. The division’s training at Camp Butner was comprehensive, focusing on both individual and unit-level skills. Soldiers underwent more rigorous physical conditioning, weapons training, and tactical exercises. The camp’s terrain, which included wooded areas and open fields, allowed for realistic combat simulations, preparing the troops for the varied landscapes they would encounter in Europe.

Movement to the European Theater

After completing their training at Camp Butner, the 89th Infantry Division moved to the European theater of operations by ship. They departed from the United States on 10 January 1945, arriving in Le Havre, France, 11 days later. Le Havre, a strategic port city on the English Channel, served as a crucial entry point for American troops entering the European mainland.

Upon arrival in Le Havre, the division underwent additional training and acclimation to European conditions at Camp Lucky Strike. This period allowed the Soldiers to adjust to the realities of the war zone and fine-tune their skills before engaging in active combat operations.

The thorough training received since activation, combined with the final preparations at Camp Lucky Strike, proved invaluable as the 89th Infantry Division entered combat. Their first action came on 12 March 1945, when they crossed the Moselle River and captured the German city of Saarburg.

Crossing the Rhine

Following the successful Moselle crossing, the 89th Infantry Division continued its eastward advance, participating in the Allied push towards the Rhine River. The Rhine crossing was a crucial operation in the final stages of the war in Europe, as it would allow Allied forces to penetrate deep into the German heartland.

The 89th’s involvement in the Rhine crossing came as part of the larger U.S. Third Army operation. On 26 March 1945, just two weeks after their Moselle crossing, elements of the division began their assault across the Rhine. The crossing was a complex operation under heavy enemy fire involving coordinated efforts of infantry, artillery, and engineer units.

The division’s rapid advance during this operation was impressive. By 30 March, the 89th Infantry Division had successfully completed its Rhine crossing operation and secured its objectives. General Finley, in a message to his troops, described the challenging conditions they overcame: “The Germans strongly defended the riverbank and the leading waves were met by fire from machine guns, 20mm antiaircraft and artillery. Losses were heavy but there was no faltering; the boats went on and our troops landed and attacked the enemy wherever they found him...”

The successful crossings of both the Moselle and Rhine rivers demonstrated the 89th Infantry Division’s combat readiness and effectiveness. These operations showcased the division’s ability to execute complex maneuvers, adapt to challenging terrain, and maintain a rapid pace of advance — all skills honed during their extensive training and now refined through combat experience.

Resilience in the Face of Atrocity

As they continued to push east, the 89th Infantry Division liberated Ohrdruf concentration camp on 4 April 1945, demonstrating the crucial role of their comprehensive pre-deployment training in preparing Soldiers for the harsh realities of war. As the first Nazi concentration camp liberated by U.S. troops in Germany, Ohrdruf presented a scene of unimaginable horror that put the division’s mental and emotional resilience to the test.

The rigorous training regimen undergone by the 89th had not only honed their combat skills but also fortified their psychological preparedness. Months of intense physical conditioning, combat simulations, and team-building exercises had fostered a strong sense of unit cohesion and individual resilience. This proved invaluable as Soldiers faced the grim task of processing the atrocities they encountered.

Key Takeaways: Pre-Deployment Training

The 89th Infantry Division’s Rhine River crossing exemplifies the transformative power of comprehensive pre-deployment training. Their experience offers critical insights for today’s leaders:

● Building Battlefield Resilience: The 89th’s relentless physical conditioning program is a model for fostering exceptional soldier resilience. Modern training programs can mirror this approach, ensuring troops possess the stamina and endurance to thrive in demanding operational environments.

● Optimizing Soldier Performance: The 89th’s training seamlessly integrated rigorous combat skills training with unit cohesion exercises. This methodology maximized individual proficiency while fostering a strong sense of teamwork, a critical element for battlefield success.

● Developing Adaptable Units: The Louisiana maneuvers exposed weaknesses and instilled adaptability in the 89th. Modern training exercises can replicate this by injecting unforeseen challenges that test a unit’s ability to think critically and adjust tactics under pressure. This fosters agile and resourceful units capable of handling contingencies.

The 89th’s legacy underscores the critical role pre-deployment training plays in creating a mission-ready force. By incorporating these lessons — building battlefield resilience, optimizing soldier performance, and developing adaptable units — leaders can equip their troops to face any challenge and achieve operational excellence.

Personal Anecdote

My father, SGT Ardie Wickers, was a veteran of the 89th Infantry Division. He rarely spoke of his combat experiences crossing the Rhine. However, he frequently recounted the grueling training. He firmly believed this training was essential to the 89th’s success and his own survival. In his view, it provided him with the essential skills and, most importantly, the confidence to navigate the complexities of combat.

This emphasizes the human dimension of pre-deployment training. It goes beyond physical and tactical skills, equipping Soldiers with the mental fortitude necessary to navigate the psychological demands of war like those found at Ohrdruf concentration camp. Leaders who prioritize thorough pre-deployment training invest not only in mission success but also in the well-being of their Soldiers.

The 89th Today

The 89th Infantry Division’s legacy continued after World War II when it was reactivated as a Reserve unit in 1947, with its headquarters stationed in Wichita, KS. In 1959, the division was redesignated as the 89th Division (Training). However, in 1973, the division colors were cased, and the shoulder patch (but not the lineage and honors) was carried on by the newly formed 89th Army Reserve Command (ARCOM). ARCOMs were not tactical commands but rather regional organizations comprising various unrelated units. Upon mobilization, units within the ARCOMs would be assigned to active-duty units with which they were aligned.

The 89th ARCOM later underwent several redesignations, becoming the 89th Regional Support Command in the late 20th century and then the 89th Regional Readiness Command in 2003. In its 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) recommendations, the U.S. Department of Defense proposed realigning the Wichita U.S. Army Reserve Center by disestablishing the 89th Regional Readiness Command. This recommendation was part of a larger effort to reengineer and streamline the command-and-control structure of the Army Reserve, which led to the creation of the Northwest Regional Readiness Command at Fort McCoy, WI. Today, the 89th Infantry Division’s legacy lives on in the form of the 89th Sustainment Brigade, a Reserve unit carrying on the division’s proud heritage.

Chris Wickers comes from a family with a proud military heritage. His father, SGT Ardie Wickers, served with distinction in World War II as part of 1st Battalion, 354th Infantry Regiment, 89th Infantry Division, participating in the historic Rhine River crossing during combat operations in the spring of 1945. Following in his father’s footsteps, Chris joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served in the Infantry from 1985-1989, taking on the roles of rifleman and combat rubber raiding craft coxswain with Battalion Landing Team 1/1. This unit specialized in amphibious operations, combining traditional infantry skills with maritime capabilities.

This article appears in the Summer 2025 issue of Infantry. Read more articles from the professional bulletin of the U.S. Army Infantry at https://www.benning.army.mil/Infantry/Magazine/ or https://www.lineofdeparture.army.mil/Journals/Infantry/.

As with all Infantry articles, the views herein are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Department of Defense or any element of it.