Turning the Tide: The USAAF in North Africa and Sicily

In November 1942, Allied forces launched Operation Torch, an invasion of Axis-occupied North Africa. This campaign represented the first significant involvement of the United States Armed Forces in the African theater of World War II. After the liberation of North Africa, Allied forces invaded Sicily as a stepping stone to the larger invasion of Italy. Prolific military historian Cleaver (Clean Sweep: VIII Fighter Command against the Luftwaffe, 1942–45) relates the story of Allied air power over the course of those campaigns. While Axis forces suffered irreplaceable losses in veteran pilots and ground crews, as well as aircraft and supplies, Allied forces did too but were able to improve some things. For example, American and British pilots, ground forces, and staff, supplemented by French and Polish units, became better and more experienced. The book contains many firsthand accounts of dogfights and missions from both Allied and Axis perspectives, so many that it may start to feel monotonous. Overall, however, they illustrate the book’s points and provide some exciting context.