History of North Africa American Cemetery

Background

At the 27-acre North Africa American Cemetery and Memorial in Tunisia rest more than 2,800 of our military dead, their headstones set in straight lines subdivided into nine rectangular plots by wide paths, with decorative pools at their intersections.

Along the southeast edge of the burial area, bordering the tree-lined terrace leading to the memorial is the Wall of the Missing. On this wall more than 3,700 names are engraved. Rosettes mark the names of those since recovered and identified. Most honored here lost their lives in World War II in military activities ranging from North Africa to the Persian Gulf.

The chapel and the memorial court, which contain large maps in mosaic and ceramic depicting the operations and supply activities of American forces across Africa to the Persian Gulf, were designed to harmonize with local architecture. The chapel interior is decorated with polished marble, flags and sculpture.

North Africa American Cemetery is located in close proximity to the site of the ancient city of Carthage, Tunisia, destroyed by the Romans in 146 B.C., and lies over part of the site of Roman Carthage. It is near the present town of the same name, 10 miles from the city of Tunis and 5 miles from its airport.

In mid-1942, Allied leaders decided an offensive in North Africa would serve two strategic purposes:

1. Establish a foothold to launch operations into southern Europe.
2. Prepare for the eventual cross-channel invasion of France.

However, the Vichy French forces in North Africa presented a challenge. While some forces might resist the landings, others could welcome the Allied effort.

Operation Torch, launched on Nov. 8, 1942, was the first large-scale Anglo-American amphibious operation of World War II. U.S. and British forces landed in Casablanca, Oran, and Algiers. Though Vichy French forces initially resisted, they surrendered within days, and Free French units joined the Allied effort.

The battle for Tunisia was grueling, with winter weather, strong German defenses, and air superiority stalling the Allied advance. However, by May 1943, U.S. and British forces captured Tunis and Bizerte, forcing the Axis to surrender in North Africa. This victory paved the way for the invasion of Sicily and the advance into Italy, marking the next phase in the liberation of Europe.

Vintage Poster

Vintage posters convey the beauty, tranquility, and solemnity of the place as a sign of respect for those who fought so that we can live free today.