General Erwin Rommel, his forces almost depleted, over runs the Americans holding the Kasserine Pass, near the German-held port which provided the Axis with their only escape route from North Africa. The American defeat is understandable. The troops were inexperienced and outnumbered in infantry and heavy weapons. Still, their commander, Lloyd Fredenall, was an incompetent leader. He spent much time having his engineers carve a large headquarters out of the rocks, seventy miles behind the front lines, and had it ringed with anti-aircraft guns. He didn't bother to visit the front and disregarded advice from those who had.
Fredenall is fired and Eisenhower sends Patton in. He whips the troops into shape by insisting on practices that, at the time, I believe were called something like "chicken dung." The fine for not wearing leggings was fifteen dollars. Officers wore neckties in combat. But he also leads from the front and improves living conditions for the men.
Patton and his men were involved in several sharp conflicts in North Africa. Probably the best known is the battle for El Guettar. It's featured in the movie, "Patton," starring George C. Scott. In the movie, it's described accurately but without any context. There were actually two German assaults at El Guettar. The first was repulsed by General Teddy Roosevelt. Patton arrived in time for the second assault, also repulsed. The movie doesn't mention that Patton's attack from the north was complemented by Montgomery's attack from the south. The German defeat was due to pressure from both sides. By this time, Rommel was back in Germany, exhausted, ill, and arguing with Hitler. The German general in charge, von Arnim, became a prisoner of war.
"Patton" focuses on the character of the man himself. So does this documentary but it's superior to the movie in that it places Patton's movements in context.
"Patton 360" is marred by editorial and directorial decisions. The narration and the images seem to be part of a child's video game. If you watch it for a few minutes you'll see what I mean.
If most of what you know about Patton and North Africa comes from the movie "Patton," you'll find this documentary as informative as I did.