Americans In North Africa Before Operation Torch

When I came across this movie, I thought it took place during the aftermath of the German victory against the U.S. Army at Kasserine Pass February, 1943. I was not aware that American tank units went to north Africa in June, 1942. The United States was focused on Midaway and building up for the European theater in 1942.

Did Roosevelt send a handful of tankers to help Britain prior to Operation Torch?