On March 6, 1945, a dramatic clash unfolded in the streets of Cologne, Germany, as American tanks from the Third Armored Division engaged in a fierce battle against the remnants of the German 106th Panzer Brigade. This confrontation, captured in real-time by combat cameramen, became one of the most vividly documented tank duels of World War II. Let’s delve into this unique chapter of the war using a blend of historical footage and modern technology.
The Setting
By early March 1945, the Western Front had pushed the Germans back toward the Rhine River.
Cologne, once a significant city, was now a war-ravaged shell of its former self. Despite the destruction, Cologne remained a crucial objective for the Allies due to its strategic location and the importance of the Hohenzollern Bridge over the Rhine.
The American Advance
American forces, led by Colonel Leander Doan’s Task Force X, began their push into Cologne on March 5, 1945. The task force, comprising approximately 45 tanks, included a mix of Sherman and newly introduced Pershing tanks.
Among them were Lieutenant Carl Kelner’s Sherman 76 and Sergeant Bob Early’s brand-new Pershing, a 46-ton beast equipped with a 90mm gun.
The Americans advanced cautiously, clearing the way through Cologne’s suburbs.
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