This Day in History: February 19, 1943

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This Day in History

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On February 19, 1943, the Battle of Kasserine Pass begins as German and Italian forces commanded by Generalfeldmarschall Erwin Rommel advance against American and British forces in Tunisia. Rommel's goal was to capture much-needed supplies from the Americans and to secure the Axis flank. The Axis assault inflicted heavy losses upon the inexperienced American troops, resulting in the Americans giving up nearly 50 miles of territory over the following days as German and Italian troops and tanks kept pressuring the Allied lines. However, British and American reinforcements quickly arrived at the front to stabilize the lines and halt Rommel's advance. By February 24, Axis forces withdrew from Kasserine Pass as critical supplies were running low and Rommel decided to shift his focus to the south, believing that a victory at Kasserine was not possible and continuing the offensive would jeopardize the Axis position in North Africa.

While the Axis forces had been unable to achieve a complete victory at Kasserine Pass, they did achieve a tactical victory by disrupting the Allied formations in the area as well as inflicting heavy casualties upon the Americans. While German casualties had amounted to approximately 989 killed or wounded and 608 captured with the further loss of 20 tanks, 14 guns, and 67 vehicles, American losses amounted to approximately 3,300 killed or wounded and 3,000 captured with the further loss of 183 tanks, 208 guns, and 616 vehicles. Additionally, Free French forces that had been attached to the Americans suffered 500 killed or wounded. However, this highlighted the shortcomings and lack of preparedness the US Army had when it came to fighting the Axis and actions and reforms would soon be implemented to address these concerns. Included among these actions are the removal of Major General Lloyd Fredendall, who had been in command of the American II Corps at Kasserine, and his reassignment back to the United States. Replacing him in command
of II Corps was Major General George S. Patton, a far more aggressive commander who led from the front. General Dwight D. Eisenhower, in charge of Allied forces in the theater, also restructured the Allied command by establishing the 18th Army Group to better coordinate the American, British, and Free French armies in Tunisia. Additionally, focus was placed on the integration of artillery and air support with Allied formations as well as improving anti-aircraft capabilities.

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male 1,170,610, fox 243,722, anthro 208,028, vulpine 35,752, usa 558, america 417, germany 305, this day in history 249, tdih 244, wwii 233, france 183, italy 136, united states 95, world war two 81, britain 65, north africa 6, free france 1, battle of kasserine pass 1, kasserine pass 1, tunisia 1

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Published: 3 years, 9 months ago

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