The story
The Allied advance across France continued at a breakneck pace, and the French Forces of the Interior (FFI) rose to contest German control of Paris.
Fearing the potential destruction and loss of life should fighting break out in the city, and eager to secure bridges across the Seine, the Allies pressed forward towards Paris.
The French 2nd Armored Division and American 4th Infantry Division were selected to liberate the national capitol.
German resistance along the approaches to the city was stiffer than expected, but the Germans 15 did not seriously contest the city itself – and proved mindful of preserving its historical and cultural legacy.
Indeed, the jubilant crowds pouring into the streets proved as great an impediment to the advance of French and American units as anything the Germans did.
The French 2nd Armored Division had secured most of the city and the 4th Infantry Division much of its eastern half by nightfall on 25 August.
There's more to discover
You have arrived at just one small part of Back to Normandy — a personal project dedicated to preserving stories, images, music and memories of the Second World War.
Every record is a doorway to a larger story. Explore Back to Normandy to discover more, or visit Fred Vogels' personal website to learn about the person and the projects behind it.