Take a look at this stunning colored footage of US Army in France during 1944 and 1945. These clips give us a peak at the bombing missions and amphibious landings, but also capture the most peaceful side. Soldiers strolling around in liberated France, enjoying some brief moments between battles.
There are film crews everywhere, capturing the historic moments for newsreels back home. Even though the country was torn apart and ravaged by years of occupation, bombing, and battles, the local population seems happy to welcome the US soldiers who risked their lives on the shores of Normandy. A shadow of war still looms the countryside, but life seems to be coming back to normal. Road signs indicate the rapid advance of Allies, as they are bringing the war back to Germany. Abandoned Wehrmacht equipment decorates the landscape, while Allied planes take off on yet another mission.
This montage clearly shows that the most devastating conflict in history is coming to its end. Fighter planes strafe rounds at enemy convoys which seem to be retreating and reorganizing for another unsuccessful counter-attack. The power of the Reich looks depleted and weakening. France is coming back at its feet and the people are raising their heads proudly.
The liberation of France gave the Allies the boost that was needed to continue the fight, for the German defeat echoed in the homeland as a sound for retreat. As the Soviets advanced on the Eastern Front, the Allies pushed the Germans back well within their own territory.