THE BRIDGE
Two Hall of Famers, both combat engineers, same theater. One earned the only battlefield commission given to an MLB player. The other lost his prime years to war and segregation.
Episode 3 Complete
The complete Episode 3 production narrative. Warren Spahn at Remagen Bridge. Monte Irvin in a segregated unit. The Battle of the Bulge. Two engineers, two paths, one story of sacrifice.
Read Episode 3 CompleteResearch Deep-Dives
Warren Spahn
Army Combat Engineer
Battle of the Bulge, Remagen Bridge, Purple Heart, Bronze Star. The only MLB player to receive a battlefield commission.
Read Research →Monte Irvin
Army Engineer
Negro Leagues star who lost prime years to war. Served in segregated unit, returned to help integrate the Giants. Should have been first.
Read Research →Remagen Bridge
Historical Context
The Ludendorff Bridge — the first Allied crossing of the Rhine. The miracle that shortened the war.
Read Research →Battle of the Bulge
Historical Context
December 1944. Hitler's last offensive. Where Spahn earned his Bronze Star and battlefield commission.
Read Research →Cross-Episode Connections
Wounded at Remagen — same bridge as Warren Spahn
Discrimination in both uniforms — baseball and Army