Kasserine Pass 1943: Rommel's last victory

Osprey Campaign #152

by Steven J. Zaloga

Osprey's examination of the North African campaign of November 1942-May 1943 of World War II (1939-1945), which was a baptism of fire for the US Army. After relatively straightforward landings, the US II Corps advanced into Tunisia to support operations by the British 8th Army. Rommel, worried by the prospect of an attack, decided to exploit the inexperience of the US Army and strike a blow against their overextended positions around the Kasserine Pass. However, the Germans were unable to exploit their initial success, and later attacks were bloodily repulsed. The fighting in Tunisia taught the green US Army vital combat lessons, and brought to the fore senior commanders such as Eisenhower, Patton, and Bradley.

Genres: Military History, History, World War II, American History, 20th Century, Nonfiction

96 pages, Paperback

First published May 8, 2005

About the author

Steven Zaloga is an author and defense analyst known worldwide for his articles and publications on military technology.  He has written over a hundred books on military technology and military history, including “Armored Thunderbolt: The US Army Sherman in World War II”, one of the most highly regarded histories of the Sherman Tank.  His books have been translated into Japanese, German, Polish, Czech, Romanian, and Russian. He was a special correspondent for Jane’s Intelligence Review and is on the executive board of the Journal of Slavic Military Studies and the New York Military Affairs Symposium. From 1987 through 1992, he was the writer/producer for Video Ordnance Inc., preparing their TV series Firepower.  He holds a BA in history from Union College and an MA in history from Columbia University.

Mr. Zaloga is also a noted scale armor modeler and is a host/moderator of the World War II Allied Discussion group at Missing-Lynx.com, a modelling website. He is a frequent contributor to the UK-based modeling magazine Military Modelling. He is a member of the Armor Modeling and Preservation Society.

Reviews

[Matt Koeske · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great treatment on the battle. Excellent coverage of strategy, tactics, and the politics surrounding the late Desert Campaign. As usual with the Osprey series, the maps/illustrations are also very well done.

[Samuel Steffen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In short, "Kasserine Pass 1943" is an outstanding work that will appeal to historians, wargamers, and anyone fascinated by this pivotal moment in military history.

[Sarah Sundin · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with all Osprey's books, this provides a detailed analysis of a crucial battle. I enjoyed the clear maps and text, as well as the insight that this battle - a humiliating short-term tactical defeat - turned into a victory, and how the green US Army adapted and learned from its mistakes.