The North African Air Campaign

The North African Air Campaign: U.S. Army Forces from El Alamein to Salerno by Christopher M. Rein In the summer of 1942, Axis forces controlled much of the Mediterranean coast. By the following year, they had been largely expelled from Africa, thanks in part to the efforts of the US Army Air Force. This book explores how American fighter planes and bombers played a crucial role in the Allied victory, not just as tactical assets but also through their impact on enemy logistics. The author examines the emergence of the USAAF in the late 1930s and early 1940s, revealing it to be a more diverse and innovative force than previously thought. Rein delves into lesser-known aspects of the war, including early air operations in the eastern Mediterranean and during the TORCH landings. He also analyzes key challenges faced by Allied leaders, such as establishing USAAF priorities and deploying long-range bombers. This book offers a fresh perspective on the North African campaign, shedding new light on the role of air power in shaping the outcome of the war.