Orleans: The Siege That Broke

The siege of Orleans had lasted seven months when Joan arrived in April 1429. English forces surrounded the city, and earlier French assaults had failed. Joan led aggressive attacks on the English fortifications, carrying the battle standard at the front of the fighting.

Within nine days, the English withdrew from Orleans. Joan personally led the assault on the fortified position at Les Tourelles on May 7, 1429, taking an arrow to the shoulder but refusing to leave the field.