New York Daily News, August 26, 1944, headline reads 'Nazis yield, Paris freed'. United States soldiers carry American flag on a tank into Paris during World War II. Celebrating French population cheer on Allied soldiers after the withdrawal of German forces from the French capital. Aerial view of huge crowd near The Arc de Triomphe (Pl. Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France).
American soldiers in jeeps are part of a traffic jam in Lyon, France, following its liberation by French forces in September, 1944. An air of celebration permeates the scene, Several French women ride with U.S. soldiers in American jeeps. A Blue vehicle displaying "FFI Police" (Free French of the Interior) and the Cross of Lorraine, is caught in the jam. A small black sedan displays "FFI" in white letters.Local civilians crowd the streets and ride on every possible spot on the various vehicles. Crowds of pedestrian spectators are restrained behind rough wooden fences. Camera views from vehicle crossing the Rhone River, show the destroyed Wilson bridge, and parts of city in background. Complete change of sequence to Rome, Italy. The Flag of Italy flying on an official building. Italian women surround American soldiers, Sergeant Lester Koenig and another NCO as they sit in a jeep. They all laugh and talk. Several Italian soldiers (one a medic) and women pose for the camera.
Parade along the Quai de Rive Neuve, Marseille, France,on August 29, 1944, celebrating the city's recapture by French forces in World War 2. French troops marching (with several Resistance members, in civilian clothes). Spectators watch from walls and buildings as well as sidelines. A French Colonial military marching band plays, followed by Colonial troops, some in turbans and others (Senegalese) wearing the red fez. They lead donkeys carrying artillery pieces. A group of French women in uniform, stand in front of tanks lined up on the sidelines. French troops in formation on the sidelines. A color bearer stands in moving military vehicle as it passes a large French tricolor flag displayed on a building. Many spectators line a wide parapet on that building. French General Joseph de Goislard de Monsabert, commander of the French forces that liberated the city, is seen conversing with several officers. Later, He is seen walking behind General Jean de Lattre de Tassigny, Commander of the French First Army that liberated Toulon and Marseilles., and Emmanuel d'Astier de La Vigerie, a French journalist, politician and member of the French Resistance. A woman runs into the street and presents a bouquet of flowers to General de Tassigny.
Allied Invasion of Southern France during Operation Dragoon of World War II on 15 and 16 August 1944. Invasion begins. Warships fire heavy naval guns and barrages of rockets. Landing craft carrying men and equipment, race toward the beach. Troops descend on nets from transport vessels. Boats being lowered at sea. Allied aircraft in flight drop bombs. Destroyer and PT boats escort some landing craft . American and French troops encounter no German resistance, except some rear guard sniping, as they advance on shore. 100 foot floating causeways are dropped into the water. Men and supplies landed. Mine detectors clear the roads. German prisoners were herded on beach for removal to ships. Animated map depicts the advancement in the Operation in its first 48 hours.
Allied Invasion of Southern France during Operation Dragoon in World War II, 19 August 1944. Wounded soldiers are evacuated to floating ambulances. Enemy troops fire artillery to block Allied advance. Several explosions. Aircraft in flight drop bombs. Tanks advance. Map of Marseilles and Toulon. Wounded soldiers are given first aid and blood transfusion. Prisoners evacuated from combat zone. Prisoners of war exit a gate with sign “36 Div. PN Enclosure”. United States Army General Alexander M. Patch and French General Jean de Lattre de Tassigny award soldiers. A medal on soldier’s chest.
Allied Invasion of Calais, France during Operation Dragoon of World War II on 21 August 1944. At Calais, French civilians gather men and women accused of collaborating with the Germans and walk them through streets. An accused woman collaborationist. French town was liberated. Liberated civilians cheer and wave at the arrival of the soldiers loaded in trucks.
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