The Eiffel Tower Free of German Occupation, November 25, 1944

On the jubilant day of November 25, 1944, Parisians finally breathed a sigh of relief as the Nazi occupation came to an end. After enduring four long years of oppression, the city erupted in celebration as the Tricolor flag once again fluttered proudly atop the Eiffel Tower.

Witnessing this triumphant moment, American soldiers couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride in restoring liberty to the French capital. Legend has it that Hitler, in a final act of spite, ordered General Dietrich von Choltitz to destroy the iconic tower and reduce the city to rubble. Yet, Choltitz defied these orders, choosing instead to surrender honorably.