Sixty five years after the fact, a new book chronicles the liberation of the region in France known as Sarthe. Utilizing many never before published photographs, the author, Fabrice Avoie, details the strategy of the entrenched German forces in and around Le Mans. The book includes many first hand accounts from German survivors as well as German maps of the area, many hand drawn by the soldiers.

He then details how U.S. forces, including the 5th Armored Division, were able to route their enemy from strategically held positions.

Written in French, Mr. Avoie's book utilizes hundreds of photographs taken by German and Allied forces as well as French civilians.

The city of Le Mans was literally a turning point for Allied forces. Once reaching Le Mans, the 5th Armored Division, along with elements of the 607th and 79th Infantry Divisions turned north to begin the drive on Argentan completing the encirclement of the German 7th Army.

Those interested in obtaining a copy of Mr. Avoie's book can visit his web site at:

http://liberation-sarthe.weebly.com/in-english.html