Gen. von Brock Quotes in The Bridge at Remagen (1969)

Gen. Von Sturmer: Why? How could it happen? Another hundred meters and the Americans would have captured the Ober Kassel Bridge.

Gen. von Brock: It was the only escape route for our units in that sector.

Gen. Von Sturmer: Escape route? No. A highway for the American army into the heart of Germany! In any case, the Führer has determined you shall not take such a risk again.

Gen. von Brock: Not very likely: there's only one bridge left.

Gen. Von Sturmer: And already it is threatened by the American forces. One breakthrough, a few hours, and this too can be lost. General von Brock, you must prepare to destroy the Remagen bridge at the earliest possible moment.

Gen. von Brock: Destroy? We have 75,000 men who would be trapped on the other side of the Rhine.

Gen. Von Sturmer: And if the bridge falls to the enemy, are you prepared for the consequences?

Gen. von Brock: These men are all that's left of the 15th Army. Their only hope of salvation is that bridge!

Gen. Von Sturmer: The 15th Army will stand or die. The Fuhrer has ordered that not one foot of our sacred soil will be yielded to the enemy.

Gen. von Brock: Herr Feldmarschall, if orders won wars, we wouldn't now be fighting with our backs against the Rhine, we'd be dancing at the London Savoy!

Major Paul Kreuger: I understand the Russians are at the Elbe.

Gen. von Brock: Yes.

Major Paul Kreuger: And here?

Gen. von Brock: Worse. Utter confusion. Every day I get orders to attack with divisions that no longer exist. Hitler still thinks he's winning the war.

Major Paul Kreuger: The Army helped bring Hitler into power. Are you saying we made a mistake?