Operation Dragoon was an Allied invasion of southern France, executed on August 15, 1944. The operation aimed to establish a new front against German forces, complementing the ongoing efforts in Normandy that began earlier that summer. Planned primarily by American forces and executed under the overall command of General Alexander Patch, the operation involved landings along the French Riviera, notably at locations such as Saint-Tropez, Cavalaire, and Toulon. The Free French forces, under General Jean de Lattre de Tassigny, played a significant role, marking a symbol of French contribution to the liberation effort.

The invasion commenced in the early hours with the support of naval artillery and air strikes to soften the German coastal defenses. Despite concerns over stiff German resistance, the landing proved to be a tactical success. Allied forces quickly secured beaches and established supply lines, leading to the rapid mobilization of troops inland. Within days, they captured key cities, facilitating a swift advance towards eastern France and eventually linking with Allied forces advancing from Normandy.

Operation Dragoon is often overshadowed by the Normandy invasion but was crucial for several reasons. It helped to divert German troops and resources from the northern front, enabling an accelerated liberation of France. Furthermore, it contributed to the larger Allied strategy to ensure that the Axis powers were engaged on multiple fronts, thus hastening the end of World War II in Europe.