In the absence of intelligence as to Axis intentions, Fredendall dispersed his forces to cover all eventualities, which left his units too far apart for mutual support. At Sidi Bou Zid, he had overruled his divisional commanders and ordered the defensive dispositions without studying the ground. Sidi Bou Zid was defended by the 34th US Infantry Division 168th Regimental Combat Team (RCT) (Colonel Thomas Drake) and the tanks of the 1st US Armored Division Combat Command A (CC A).
Without intelligence on Axis intentions, Fredendall dispersed his forces to cover all possibilities, which resulted in units being too far apart for mutual support. At Sidi Bou Zid, he overruled divisional commanders and ordered defensive positions without studying the ground. The 34th US Infantry Division's 168th RCT (Colonel Thomas Drake) and the tanks of the 1st US Armored Division Combat Command A defended Sidi Bou Zid.