Lattre was educated at a Jesuit college. In World War I he commanded an infantry battalion, was wounded four times and was awarded the Croix de Guerre. In World War II, he commanded the 14th division. After the fall of France, he was sent to Tunisia, but was recalled by the Vichy government for supporting the Allies, and imprisoned. He escaped, and was transported to England, where he took command of the French First Army. The First Army played a pivotal role in the liberation of France.
