Minifigure – Free French soldier from World War II (LEGO Compatible)

This image displays a toy minifigure representing a Free French soldier from the later period of World War II (circa 1943-1945).

The soldier is depicted in American-supplied combat gear, which is historically accurate for the Free French forces that were re-equipped by the United States to take part in the liberation of Europe. He wears an olive drab U.S. M1 Helmet, which features a decal of the French Tricolore flag on the side. His uniform is the olive drab field uniform of the U.S. Army, and he is fitted with American-style infantry webbing.

The figure comes with a printed tile accessory that serves as a patriotic symbol. It features the French national motto, “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité,” the French Tricolore, and at its center, the Cross of Lorraine. This two-barred cross was the official emblem of the Free French Forces (Forces Françaises Libres, FFL) led by General Charles de Gaulle.

Historical Background: After the fall of France in 1940, the Free French movement was formed to continue the fight against the Axis powers. Following the Allied landings in North Africa in 1942, the French forces there joined the cause, and the U.S. began a massive program to arm and train a modern French army. These soldiers, equipped with American uniforms, helmets, and weapons, formed powerful new divisions. They fought with distinction in the Italian Campaign and played a vital and proud role in the liberation of their homeland, landing in Normandy and Southern France in 1944. A soldier like this was famously part of the French 2nd Armoured Division, which was given the honor of liberating Paris in August 1944.