Welcome and Anger: The Complex Relationship Between Americans and Normans During D-Day

The historical narrative often portrays parades and receptions as warm and cordial, but the reality can sometimes be quite different. During World War II, the relationships between different Allied forces and the local populations they liberated were not always harmonious. This is especially true for the interaction between the American troops and the Normans in France.

French Liberators vs American Presence

The story of France welcoming the Americans in Paris during WWII is more complex than it might first appear. The first soldiers to enter Paris were from the French Leclerc Division, who liberated the city with almost no American assistance. Parisians, particularly the Normans, initially welcomed the Americans with open arms, grateful for their liberation from the Germans. However, things quickly took a turn for the worse.

The arrival of American soldiers brought a series of problems. Reports of rapes, exactions, destruction, and lootings soon filled the air. American soldiers even tried to impose their currency, which further angered the Normans. So much so, that even after thirty days, many locals wished they had German occupiers back.

Formalities of Surrender and Linkup

The American forces arrived after Generalleutnant Dieter von Choltitz had capitulated to Henri Tanguy, the Communist leader of the Résistance. The instrument of surrender was signed by three key figures: Dieter von Choltitz, Col Rol (actual name unknown), and Général Leclerc, who was known under his nom de guerre for his role as the commander of the French 2nd Armored Division. General Charles de Gaulle was notably absent.

The famous picture of the Pennsylvania National Guard marching on the Champs-Elysées did not capture the initial moments of liberation but occurred days later. This image, later depicted on a 3-cent stamp, symbolized the American advancement in Europe. It’s worth noting that Paris and Naples were among the few cities in Europe that were liberated by residents before the arrival of the Allied forces.

First Impressions and Lasting Legacies

My sister recently gifted me a “Dad’s life before Mom” box, containing a collection of photos from World War II. My father, while not a hero in the traditional sense, participated in the Red Ball Express, driving trucks to supply troops. Several photos of young French girls accompanied by inscriptions in their native languages, signed by my father, suggest his interactions with the local population. My father would only say, "The girls always seemed glad to see us." Mom just laughed.

The narratives and memories of D-Day and its aftermath are diverse and rich. While the initial euphoria of liberation was felt, the complexities and challenges that followed cannot be overlooked. The interactions between the Americans and the local populations, particularly in places like Normandy, are both fascinating and challenging to piece together.