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The mission of the American II Corps during the final phase had
been threefold: to protect the left flank of the Eighteenth Army
Group, to keep the enemy from concentrating in front of the First
Army, and to capture Bizerte. This mission was accomplished in
a brilliant manner. During a period of seventeen days its four divisions made advances of from twenty-five to fifty miles. At the
beginning of the final phase of the campaign only 12,000 front-line
troops opposed the advance of the corps, but toward the close of the
operation over 40,000 of the enemy were on its front. It showed
that its divisions were composed of fighting men with the will and
ability to win. It was well supplied, well equipped, and well led.
Its losses during the final phase of the campaign were 421 killed,
3136 wounded, and 877 missing, while it is estimated that 3000 of
the enemy were killed on the corps front. The American divisions
took 36,000 German and 5900 Italian prisoners.
The following is an extract from General Bradley’s report on the
operations:
French units under their efficient commander, General Magnan,
fought with courage and determination ... in mountainous terrain and suffered many casualties. Some of the II Corps, namely,
the 1st Infantry Division and elements of the 1st Armored and 34th
Infantry Divisions, have been fighting in North Africa almost continuously since they landed at Oran on 8 November. Other units
have been in action in Tunisia for varying periods from 18 January
onward. Practically all units have fought the enemy both in the
desert and in the mountains. The II Corps fought with and without
air superiority. It has suffered reverses, and it has known victory.
Officers and men alike understand our enemy and his methods. They
no longer underestimate or overestimate his abilities. With the com-*
mon sense that is characteristic of Americans, they have learned that
the surest way of living is to outmaneuver and outsmart those who
oppose us. With their practical sense, their understanding of the
enemy, their firsthand knowledge of the hardships and dangers of
war, and, above all else, their courage and loyalty, soldiers of the
II Corps have played a major role in the winning of a great Allied
victory.
GENERAL COMMENTS ON THE OPERATIONS
IN NORTH AFRICA
On 17 May the first through convoy passed the Strait of Gibraltar
and nine days later reached Alexandria; the first unopposed convoy
since 1940 reached Malta on 24 May. After three years of varying
fortune Africa had been cleared of all Axis forces; the ports of
North Africa were ready to receive the ships, equipment, and men
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