Events with tag - European Theater

May 18, 1944

Battle of Monte Cassino

A decisive World War II battle in Italy where Allied forces launched four major assaults against German positions at Monte Cassino monastery between January and May 1944, ending with a Polish victory that opened the way to Rome.

June 4, 1944

Capture of Rome

Allied forces captured Rome on June 4, 1944, marking the first Axis capital to fall during World War II. Led by General Mark Clark's Fifth Army, the operation successfully preserved the city's historical treasures while achieving crucial military objectives.

June 6, 1944

D-Day Invasion

The D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944, was the largest amphibious military operation in history, where 156,000 Allied troops stormed five beaches in Normandy, France, marking the beginning of Western Europe's liberation from Nazi control during World War II.

August 25, 1944

German Surrender of Paris

On August 25, 1944, German forces officially surrendered Paris to Allied forces, ending four years of Nazi occupation. The surrender was signed by German commander Dietrich von Choltitz at the Police Prefecture, defying Hitler's orders to destroy the city.

August 25, 1944

Gothic Line Offensive

Operation Olive, launched on August 25, 1944, was a major Allied offensive against the German Gothic Line defenses in northern Italy. The operation involved British, American, and other Allied forces attacking heavily fortified German positions stretching 170 miles across the Apennine Mountains.

October 2, 1944

Battle of Aachen

The Battle of Aachen was a major urban battle of World War II, fought from October 2-21, 1944, marking the first capture of a major German city by American forces. The battle resulted in an American victory despite Hitler's order to defend the city to the last man.

December 16, 1944

Battle of the Bulge

The Battle of the Bulge (December 16, 1944 - January 25, 1945) was the largest battle ever fought by U.S. Army, involving 600,000 American troops against Nazi Germany's last major offensive on the Western Front. The surprise attack through the Ardennes region created a distinctive bulge in Allied lines.

May 8, 1945

Victory in Europe Day (VE Day)

On May 8, 1945, Nazi Germany officially surrendered to Allied Powers, marking the end of World War II in Europe. The historic surrender was signed at Allied headquarters in Reims, France, leading to massive celebrations across American cities and Allied nations.