It reached the Werra River on April 2nd, crossed immediately, and discovered that here, in a last desperate effort, the enemy had erected a line beyond which the Americans were not to advance. Ignorant of the German determination to hold at all costs, however, the 90th advanced, smashed the line and moved forward. Vacha was taken against stiff opposition, Dippach and Oberzella and Merkers. It was at Merkers that the 90th discovered the end of the rainbow.