Photograph: Yanks in Germany Show Their Excitement over the News of the Russian Drive

Photographer unknown (American). "Yanks in Germany Show Their Excitement over the News of the Russian Drive," Yank, The Army Weekly (February 23, 1945). American soldiers display a sign, "WELCOME IVAN! From the 406th Infantry," upon hearing that the Soviets had reached the Oder River (the Vistula-Oder Offensive). At the time, the 406th Infantry Regiment of the 102nd Infantry Division was engaged in Operation Grenade – crossing the Ruhr – which began on February 22, 1945.

The advance of Soviet troops toward the German capital was a cause for celebration among the Allies