ABSTRACT
Vague but disquieting rumors of the bad blood between Fredendall and Ward having reached Eisenhower, he decided to make an inspection tour of the American front. Expecting at least a flurry of enemy activity to the east around Sidi bou Zid, he was concerned because his troops were dispersed and because Fredendall kept injecting himself into Ward's affairs, making Ward's decisions. To Robinett, Eisenhower appeared impressed by the presentation and "really seeking the facts," while Truscott's face registered his disapproval of the recommendation to evacuate the forward positions. Departing Tebessa, Eisenhower and Truscott turned off the main road to visit the famous Roman ruins at Timgad. The Germans, they learned, had destroyed an American tank battalion, overrun a battalion of artillery, and driven the remainder of Mc-Quillin’s force back from Sidi bou Zid toward Sbeitla.
