The US II Corps was the first American formation of any size to see combat in Europe or Africa during World War II.

History

It came to prominence in the Battle of Kasserine Pass when Field Marshal Erwin Rommel defeated the formation. However, after a change of command, it recovered its cohesion and fought well for the rest of the campaign. It held the southern flank of British 1st Army during the destruction of Axis forces in Africa.

In July 1943, it landed in Sicily as part of Operation Husky under command of the U.S. 7th Army, playing a key part in the liberation of the western part of the island. The Corps consisted of the U.S. 4th Infantry Division, U.S. 9th Infantry Division, and U.S. 45th Infantry Division, all under the command of Lieutenant-General Omar Nelson Bradley.

A further amphibious operation followed at Salerno. The corps then fought its way up the western side of Italy, ending up on the right flank of US Fifth Army in May 1945.

One of its commanders was Major General Geoffrey Keyes.

See also

• United States Army