But the threat was real. In December 1942, Dwight D. Eisenhower was appointed to the rank of general assignment of the next commander in chief, and then Supreme Commander Allied Expeditionary Forces in North Africa and the Mediterranean. Under his leadership, the Allies conducted an offensive operation, codenamed 'Cake' – ('Torch'), in which American expeditionary force landed smoothly in Morocco. However, the allied landing in North Africa, as well as the entire operation "Torch" has meant in practice that a second front in Europe again postponed indefinite period. By mid-May 1943 fighting in North Africa ended. Politicians in the U.S. and Britain were discussing the question in what direction to develop further the strategic efforts of the Allies.
Eisenhower continued to consider it necessary to first cross the English Channel and landed in France to begin the main task – to conduct rapid and direct military operations against Germany, but policy objectives have led Western allies again postpone the opening of a second front in Europe. Instead, the conference Casablanca, it was decided to attack Sicily. Again, this amphibious operation, which was a success, headed by General Eisenhower. From December 1943 until the victorious end of World Eisenhower was supreme commander of the expeditionary forces the Allies. Under his leadership, planned and carried out the largest amphibious operation 'Overlord'. For the landing on Normandy coast were collected enormous forces: on the eve of the invasion of France, they had 39 divisions, 2,876,439 men and officers (20 American, 17 British, 3 Canadian, 1 French, 1 Polish divisions).