Print this page

The following message has been received from General Alexander, the 15th Army Groups Commander, and will be posted an all company bulletin boards throughout this command:

"THE FIRST PHASE OF OUR OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO A SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION. THE MAIN TASK I GAVE THE II CORPS WAS FIRSTLY TO CAPTURE AND SECURE GAFSA AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE BASE FOR 8TH ARMY. SECONDLY TO THREATEN ROMMEL'S REAR FROM GAFSA AND MAKNASSY SO AS TO DRAW OFF RESERVES FROM 8TH ARMY THEREBY HELPING THEM TO BREAK NORTH OF THE MARETH LINE AND JOIN HANDS WITH US. THIS TASK HAS BEEN MOST SUCCESSFULLY DONE BY THE II CORPS AND HAS BEEN A BATTLE WINNING FACTOR IN THE FIGHTING. I WISH TO CONVEY TO GENERAL PATTON HIS STAFF AND TROOPS MY GRATITUDE AND THANKS FOR THEIR LOYAL SUPPORT AND ACTIVE COOPERATION IN THE PART THEY PLAYED IN THIS GREAT VICTORY. HARD FIGHTING STILL LIES AHEAD OF US BEFORE WE THROW THE ENEMY OUT OF NORTH AFRICA BUT THE UNITED EFFORTS OF THE THREE ALLIES WILL MAKE THE RESULTS CERTAIN. GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL."

By Command of Lieutenant General PATTON:
s/ L. P. Boineau
T/ L. F. BOINEAU
Colonel, A. G. D.,
Adjutant General

REPRODUCED:
Hq 1st US Inf Div
April 14, 1943- L. G.

CERTIFIED A TRUE COPY:
JOSEPH J. KOHOUT,
Captain, 26th Infantry,
Personnel Officer