Patton s Desert Gamble That Saved Allied Fortunes

Patton thought French wouldn’t fight in 1942 — then they killed 1,052 Americans at Casablanca
Story by Leo Heit


Patton's Desert Gamble That Saved Allied Fortunes

©Wikimedia Commons/United States Army Signal Corps photographer

The General George Patton Memorial Museum tells the story of America's first real punch back at the Axis powers. In November 1942, Patton led 35,000 troops across the Atlantic to attack French Morocco.

He thought the French wouldn't fight hard, but he was dead wrong.

The French battleship Jean Bart nearly sank his flagship, enemy planes bombed his forces, and his own landing boat got destroyed. After three brutal days and over 2,000 casualties, Patton's men captured Casablanca.

The Sultan was so impressed he gave Patton Morocco's highest honor.

This is the story behind America's first major World War II offensive and the museum that preserves Patton's legacy.

Patton Led 35,000 Troops Across the Atlantic in Secret
©Wikimedia Commons/Intelligence Knowledge Network . Ft. Huachuca, AZ: Military Intelligence Hall of Fame.
In November 1942, General George Patton led America's first major attack against the Axis. His Western Task Force packed 33,000 men onto 100 ships, sailing 4,000 miles through waters full of German U-boats.

Rear Admiral Henry K. Hewitt ran the naval side from the cruiser USS Augusta.

The mission seemed nearly impossible - they needed to land 250 tanks at night on beaches that might have enemy troops.

American spies warned that Vichy French soldiers would likely fight back, despite hopes they'd just give up.