U.S. Army Major General Arthur R. Wilson, Commanding General, Continental Advance Section, and French General of the Army (Général d'armée)Jean de Lattre de Tassigny, seen from rear as they both salute during playing of National Anthem by a French military band at ceremony in World War 2. The Generals review French troops drawn up in formation, presenting arms. Several French officers and an American officer are seen standing against a wall during the proceedings. The marching band passes in review, followed by the troops, as General de Tassigny, along with General Wilson and another American officer, salute. Scene shifts to General Wilson, at attention in front of assembled troops. General de Tassigny proceeds to decorate him with the Legion of Honor and another medal. The troops march away at conclusion of the ceremony.
President of the Provisional Government of the French Republic Charles de Gaulle makes inspection trip through the country at end of World War 2. Crowds line the sidewalks waving French flags. A Free-French tank named: "L'Audacieux." Numerous destroyed and damaged buildings and rubble lining the streets where his motorcade proceeds. At one stop, he is greeted by an honor guard of Colonial troops. His motorcade passes through a section of the Maginot line where rows of anti-tank dragon's teeth appear intact. At entry of one town a welcoming banner across the road reads: "Soyez Les Bienvenus." De Gaulle steps from a car near a sidewalk filled with French school girls, accompanied by Nuns, in habit. He shakes hands with some girls dressed in traditional local costumes. More views of destruction and rubble. Only the street is clear and rubble lines the edges. Armored cars and other armor pass through twin gates of a city and proceed down a main street, followed by marching French infantry, as people watch and cheer from sidewalks. A Cadillac automobile carries De Gaulle to a French Naval marina. Sailors present arms and he proceeds down a ramp to a floating dock, where he boards a motor launch that takes him along a river. More scenes of cheering French crowds.
Two trucks and a bus full of liberated French prisoners drive down an avenue in Paris. A large Parisian crowd including young girls watch their arrival. People wave out to welcome the prisoners as they wave back. Sign on bus stating 'Repatriated Prisoners'. Shots of French prisoners as a civilian offers them cigarettes. A Parisian volunteer nurse. Trucks of prisoners pull up before a building. Algerian prisoner as he drinks from a bottle of wine. A French soldier. (World War II period).
Scenes of a Paris compound. Two men working on a machinery part. A man fixing the hood atop a jeep. Another man approaches the jeep.
Views of numerous gargoyles, grotesques, and chimeras on the Notre Dame Cathedral (Parvis Notre-Dame – Place Jean-Paul-II, Paris). The city of Paris can be seen in the background. U.S. military personnel leave the church as French honor guards line up outside. Gendarmes around the church as MPs get ready to march. (World War II period)
A USAAF Martin B-26 bomber taxis away from the parking area at an airport in Paris. A long line of B-26s on the perimeter strip with engines turning over. A group of army personnel standing near the hangar. USAAF Douglas C-47s or Skytrains pull up on perimeter strip. French Guard and Band takes position. Officers rush towards the planes to receive the passengers. Liberated Parisians and Frenchmen climb out of a C-47 and walk through Honor Guard. French band playing in the background. A view of the French flag flying. Liberated citizens leaving in trucks as civilians wave to welcome them home. Honor Guard presents arms as an injured Frenchman is carried past them on stretcher. French band playing in the foreground as liberated French soldiers pass. (World War II period).