This is an advance order. We expect to ship this out in early May.
Our original design commemorating the Allied invasion of French North Africa in November 1942 — the first invasion in the European theater.
On the front, the 48-star flag with the dates November 8 - 16, 1942 and the landing zones — Casablanca, Oran, and Algiers.
On the back...
- The USA and British flags with Patton's three gold stars
- "Operation Torch"
- Supermarine Spitfire Fighter Aircraft
- The African coast
- Photo from the invasion
- This quote from FDR:
“You have embarked for distant places where the war is being fought.
Upon the outcome depends the freedom of your lives: the freedom of the lives of those you love – your fellow- citizens – your people.
— President Franklin D. Roosevelt
- And this text:
"Americans and British Attack Rommel — November 8 - 16, 1942"
The crewneck sweatshirt:
- Sand - A super soft 50% cotton / 50% polyester and that has been pre-washed to reduce shrinkage. With ribbed waistband and cuffs. This is a lightweight sweatshirt, and much lighter than the hooded sweatshirt.
- Sizes: S-5X.See size chart
- All shirts are printed in New England.
Browse through other WWII themed products in this collection.
Historical background behind this design
Operation Torch was the Allied invasion of French North Africa during World War II, launched on November 8, 1942. It was the first major joint U.S.-British military operation of the war and aimed to gain control of Morocco and Algeria, which were controlled by Vichy France, a regime that collaborated with Nazi Germany.
Importantly, Operation Torch was the first major amphibious landing for American forces in World War II. It marked the beginning of large-scale U.S. ground involvement in the European and North African theaters. Until then, most American troops had not yet seen significant combat in the war.
Landings took place at Casablanca, Oran, and Algiers. Although Vichy French forces initially resisted, the Allies eventually gained control, and many French troops switched sides to support the Allied cause.
Operation Torch was a strategic success and set the stage for the Allied invasion of Italy and further offensives in Europe.
About the Supermarine Spitfire Fighter Aircraft
During Operation Torch, many British Royal Air Force (RAF) planes were temporarily marked with American insignias to reduce the risk of friendly fire by U.S. forces. Since this was the first time large numbers of American troops were fighting in the same theater as the British, there were concerns they might mistakenly attack British aircraft. By using U.S. stars instead.