Sweetwilliam’s Reviews > Terrible Terry Allen: Combat General of World War II - The Life of an American Soldier > Status Update

P222 Patton's message insisted that Terry's relief be without prejudice. Ike agreed to the stipulation that Allen upon return to the states would receive an equivalent command. Because Ike had not agreed to similar conditions for Roosevelt, Patton followed up with a telegram, "I specifically said that unless they both could be relieved without prejudice I would not ask for their relief."

P22 - Although Patton and Allan had clashed...it was obvious that Patton respected his former cavalry comrade and polo adversary as qualified to lead a division in combat. They differed in their combat philosophy: Patton seemed to think in purely military terms....Allen, no less aggressively minded, also considered the cost to soldiers...Ammunition is cheaper than soldiers' lives. Fire away.

If it had been up to Eisenhower and Bradley, Allen and Roosevelt would have been shipped home. Bradley was vocal on Allen's Problems. "I was not happy with Allen..." But Patton valued Allen's battlefield swagger and insisted on keeping him 'at least until the initial phase of the operation is consummated.' I [Bradley] agreed reluctantly meanwhile persuading Patton to tone down a commendation he was writing for Allen

Bradley admitted that Allen enjoyed intense loyalty from his troops. Despite the disaster of the Tine, the men were convinced he would not jeopardize him without just cause. Liebling quoted a young West Pointer on his staff saying, “There are some Generals that if they find the enemy in a strong position, they will go ahead and get you killed. But old Terry will find a way around and kill them all.”

After a softening-up barrage by the 7th artillery, the soldiers left the line of departure shortly before dawn. They reached the first objective in less than 3 hour; there was no contact. The men warily moved further; again no resistance. The Germans had abandoned their Kasserine offensive. entirely.