In August 1944, France was under the harsh occupation of Nazi Germany, following the invasion of the country in 1940. The Allied forces had launched Operation Overlord in June and slowly began to liberate various parts of France. A significant aspect of this liberation was the role of French troops who had regrouped under General Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque. On August 12, after a series of intense engagements, Alençon was liberated. General Leclerc and his 2nd Armored Division had been advancing from the Normandy coastline, where they had participated in securing key towns and routes necessary for the movement of Allied reinforcements. The capture of Alençon not only disrupted German supply lines but also restored a level of autonomy and hope among the French population.

The offensive began with tactical maneuvers surrounding the city, where the troops faced fierce resistance from German forces. However, through a combination of superior planning and the element of surprise, Leclerc's division outflanked the defending troops, forcing them to retreat. The liberation of Alençon was not merely a military success; it symbolized the determination of French fighters to reclaim their country and the growing effectiveness of their contributions to the Allied efforts. The moment was marked by celebrations among the local population, who had endured years of oppression under the Nazi regime.

General Philippe Leclerc, known for his leadership skills and strategic acumen, firmly believed in the capacity of French forces to reclaim their homeland. His presence in Alençon was a statement to the French people that their military could stand against the tide of Nazi Germany and contribute meaningfully to the war effort. The liberation of Alençon would later serve as a rallying point for other regions in France striving for freedom and autonomy, ultimately leading to a more coordinated Allied push across the country.