Patton's First Victory

How General George Patton Turned the Tide in North Africa and Defeated the Afrika Korps at El Guettar

Description

American troops invaded North Africa in November 1942, but did not face serious resistance until the following February, when they finally tangled with Rommel’s Afrika Korps—and the Germans gave the inexperienced Americans a nasty drubbing at Kasserine Pass. After this disaster, Gen. George Patton took command and reinvigorated U.S. troops with tough training and new tactics. In late March, at El Guettar in Tunisia, Patton’s men defeated the Germans. It was a morale-boosting victory—the first American success versus the Germans and the first of Patton’s storied World War II career—and proved to the enemy, the British, and the Americans themselves that the U.S. Army could fight and win.

Reviews

Praise for No Silent Night (2012):

No Silent Night is the product of in-depth research and a strong commitment to historical accuracy. Whether you are new to the topic or a confirmed expert, you will learn much from this book.

John C. McManus, author of The Dead and Those about to Die, D-Day: The Big Red One at Omaha Beach, and Grunts: Inside the American Infantry Combat Experience, World War II through Iraq

Praise for Patton at the Battle of the Bulge (2014):

“Painstakingly researched and highly readable, the latest work by Barron is a significant contribution to the analysis of the great commander, the endurance of his great army, and the resounding American victory in the great battle.”

Michael Haskew, author of West Point 1915

Patton's First Victory is a compelling and comprehensive account of a battle that has been for too long neglected in the history of America's part in World War II. Leo Barron's well-researched book has revived the true story of Patton's success in North Africa, and is an invaluable addition to any library of military history.

Matthew J. Davenport, author of First Over There: The Attack on Cantigny, America's First Battle of World War I, a finalist for the Guggenheim-Lehrman Prize in Military History

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