Until the end of 1942 the war for the Americans, the newest partners in the Alliance, had been a relatively comfortable affair after the initial shock of Pearl Harbor and the setbacks in the face of Japanese expansion in the Pacific Theatre, the American public had been led to believe that their country’s potential was already fully developed. Successful propaganda, and a young country's natural optimism and self- confidence, had left them with an almost unshakable belief that their army was naturally and immediately invincible. Early events in North Africa had confirmed them in this belief. The soldiers taking part in Operation Torch who had gone ashore at Casablanca, Oran and Algiers had actually been welcomed by the inhabitants, and they had experienced little difficulty in overcoming what opposition existed. They had enjoyed the role of victorious soldiers, and had found some difficulty in understanding why the British had taken so long to clear the eastern end of the Mediterranean. Then came Kasserine pass. -- From the introduction.

Lessons learned the hard way, introduction / by Barrie Pitt -- Gentlemen, “we have lost the race for Tunis” -- Fifth Panzer Army is born -- The line is reorganized -- The pinzers close -- Rolling with the punch -- Rommel gets his orders -- The pass withstands -- The point of equilibrium -- The final throw.