Last Nazi Fortress at Metz Surrenders to U.S. Troops. An American brigadier general (left) of the third U.S. Army salutes as he leaves Fort Jeanne d'Arc, last enemy strongpoint guarding Motz, Eastern France. The assistant commander of the German garrison which surrendered December 13, 1944, gives the Nazi salute as he is taken into captivity with a force of 500. The fortress capitulated 21 days after the city of Metz was liberated. January 31, 1945. (Photo by U.S. Office of War Information Photo).