General Alexander M. Patch Highway Bridge


General Patch Bridge.


Trusses fabricated in place on timber pile falsework.


From the Mainz abutment, stringers start toward mid-stream as wet piles are riven thru template by Diesel-operated rig.


View from Mainz toward Kastel.


Laying 8”x8” joints and 2 layers of 3” decking - lower, longitudinal - upper, diagonal.


The two 280-ton trusses in position over the navigation channel - 150 feet across

The 18th of January 1946 was the big day for those who worked long and hard. On this clear, cold day high-ranking American and French officers and dignitaries paid tribute to the men of the Regiment in fitting ceremonies dedicating the two bridges - The Marshall Bridge and the Patch Bridge.


Lt Gen Geoffrey Keyes, Commanding Seventh US Army, cuts tape held by M/Sgts Reiter and E.P. Jones with bayonet on rifle handed to him by Maj Addison - thus officially opening the Patch Bridge


Left to right, General De Monsabert, Commanding 1st French Army, General  Joseph T. McNarney, Commanding US-Forces, European Theatre, Hon. Rene Schmitt, Mayor of Cherbourg - who presented the Regimental Colors - and Lt General Geoffrey Keyes, Commanding the 7th US Army.


View of ceremony at the Mainz end of Marshall Bridge showing Regiment in position behind Honor Guard as National Anthems of U.S. and France are played by band on right.


General McNarney delivers the dedication address.


The General then drives the golden spike held by M/Sgt Cash.


General McNarney tries out the controls of the ceremonial train in true “Casey Jones” style.

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