<p>It was denied. The Sicilian coast had been bombed, its ferries destroyed, and its ships were sunk or burned. Rommel's proud Afrika Korps began surrendering in early May, in small numbers first and then in hordes. Hundreds of thousands had been lost to death or injuries during the adventure, and about 250,000 were left to capitulate.
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<p>The long and bitter campaign—almost three years of it—had finally ended. Mussolini's dream of a new Roman Empire stretching across the North African coast was dead, and Hitler's armies had been beaten there and before Stalingrad.
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<p>From the viewpoint of history, Torch was a diversion for the USAAF. It cut the heart out of 8AF combat strength, forcing a postponement of Bolero and the invasion of Europe. Yet the alternative was impossible. USAAF participation in Torch paid off. In short time and at very low cost in lives and aircraft, the USAAF learned the lessons of close air support, of interdiction and of ground-air cooperation. In short, they learned about tactical air power. The instructors were the Royal Air Force, Middle East, and particularly the WDAF under Coningham.
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<p>A briefing about the USAF's Tactical Air Command (the assets of which were incorporated into today's Air Combat Command) starts by describing the roots of TAC philosophy. The experience in North Africa heads the list.
