The Battle of Cologne: A Tank Duel Like No Other

Cologne, a city steeped in history and architecture, was ravaged by war in 1945. The city's magnificent cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece that had taken over 600 years to complete, stood tall amidst the ruins. It was here that an extraordinary event took place - a tank duel that would go down in history as one of the most remarkable battles of World War II.

Moved to protect this treasure, American Catholic chaplain Philip Hannan, who later became Archbishop, explored the cathedral with the help of a local priest. They found shelter nearby with Archbishop Josef Frings, who had been hiding from the relentless bombardment. Hannan's account of their encounter, documented in his book 'The Archbishop Wore Combat Boots,' provides a unique insight into this tumultuous period.

As Allied bombers continued to pummel the city, Cologne Cathedral played a crucial role as a navigational landmark. Its twin spires served as an easy reference point for pilots, guiding them to their targets. Just days after the devastation, American tanks rolled into the city, marking the beginning of the end of the battle.

The exodus from Cologne continued until only about 20,000 residents remained, huddled in ruins and basements, awaiting the final Allied raids on March 2, 1945. Nearly a quarter of the city's population had fled following the first devastating raid, leaving behind a trail of destruction and despair.

Despite being pounded by 262 Allied air raids, including one from the RAF, Cologne Cathedral miraculously survived the battle and the previous years of bombardment. Rising above the ruins like a beacon of hope, it stood as a testament to human resilience in the face of adversity.

The National WWII Museum's collection includes an exhibit dedicated to this remarkable story, reminding us that even amidst chaos and destruction, there are moments of courage, faith, and survival that inspire us all.

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