Liberation of Paris

Source: National Archives & Record Administration The residents of Paris celebrate their liberation by American troops

The 2nd French tank division as well as American units march into Paris on 25 August 1944. General Charles de Gaulle, leader of the „Free French“ since 1940, is greeted by a cheering population. Shortly before, the German commandant of the city, General Dietrich von Choltitz, had ignored Hitler’s order to destroy the French capital city. De Gaulle immediately forms a provisional government.