Jean de Lattre de Tassigny

De Lattre commanded the French First Army during the invasion of southern France. His forces liberated Toulon and Marseille, then advanced up the Rhone valley, contributing to the Allied push into Germany.

De Lattre's French First Army, with US support, eliminated the German-held Colmar Pocket in Alsace. The victory secured the Rhine flank and allowed the Allies to enter Germany.

De Lattre was appointed to lead French forces in the First Indochina War. He revitalized the French military effort, building the De Lattre Line defensive system and winning the Battle of Vinh Yen.

De Lattre defeated a major Viet Minh offensive at Vinh Yen, using air power and artillery to inflict heavy casualties. The victory temporarily stabilized the French position in Tonkin.

De Lattre died of cancer in Paris, after returning from Indochina for treatment. He was posthumously made a Marshal of France.