 an independent nonprofit aerospace organization which promotes public understanding of the role aerospace power plays in our national defense. Your host for Heroes of the Air is Gene Pell. The invasion of North Africa was underway, but Allied commanders led by General Dwight Eisenhower were still in the dark about what to expect from military leaders of Vichy France, who were in control of the North African coast and interior. Would they resist the American offensive, or would they agree not to fight?