Monument to Marshal of France Joseph Gallieni stands on the square Vauban. Name Gallieni not too well known in Russia, but it is for Parisians - a symbol of courage and hope. Not for nothing on the monument says: "Joseph Gallieni - the city of Paris."

Joseph Simon Gallieni graduated from the Military Academy of Saint-Cyr, had served in the colonial army. He was governor of Madagascar. In April 1914 he retired for health reasons, he lived on his estate. Veteran was already 65 years old.

August 7, 1914 Anglo-French border of the lost battle with German troops. Germans stabbed to bypass Paris. Commander in Chief Joffre considered that the need to hand over Paris and the Seine to impose decisive battle to the enemy.

The Minister of War Messi Joffre demanded the creation of the Defense Army of the capital, but he remained silent. Then the minister called Gallieni and appointed him military commander of Paris. In the garrison of the capital transferred to the army of General Maunoury. The government left the city. Responsibility for the French capital laid down on an elderly, terminally ill person.

Old soldiers showed courage, energy and foresight. Establish air reconnaissance. Radio station at the Eiffel Tower led intercepted German messages. Around Paris, they dug trenches, equipped with artillery positions - the capital turned into a fortress. Realizing the possibility of its fall, the commandant ordered to undermine some of the objects, including the Eiffel Tower.

Gallieni first realized the Germans had to abandon plans to reach Paris and turned east to take in the French army mites. Thus they framed his flank pass. Gallieni insisted impact forces army Maunoury. Joffre waited. British allies who hoped to persuade Gallieni, do not become tired to talk with an older man with glasses. And then the commandant of Paris began the movement of troops, without waiting for orders. Unfolded the battle of the Marne. His critical moment Gallieni managed to throw for hours from Paris, 6,000 fresh soldiers mobilized by a Parisian taxi - the Germans retreated.

Paris stood. In 1916, Gallieni again retired and died. In 1921, he was posthumously awarded the title of Marshal of France.

Monument to Marshal Vauban put on the area in 1926 (the author - sculptor Jean Boucher). The square in front des Invalides, the burial place of the great warriors of France, was a worthy place for a monument to the man who saved Paris.