Battle of Kasserine Pass, the defeat that made the U.S. Army stronger (with Kris Thompson) | Ep 33

Generals of WWII: The Art of Command · Sep 22, 2026 · 42m

The Battle of Kasserine Pass was the U.S. Army’s first major confrontation with Germany’s battle-hardened forces in World War II—and it became a brutal lesson in leadership, command, and modern warfare.

In February 1943, German and Italian forces under Field Marshal Erwin Rommel struck American positions in the mountains of Tunisia. The inexperienced U.S. II Corps, commanded by Major General Fredendall, suffered from poor coordination, scattered defensive positions, confused command arrangements, and inexperienced troops facing some of the most seasoned soldiers of the war.

At Kasserine Pass…