On the Eastern Front... Manstein's launches a counteroffensive to recapture Kharkov. The German 1st and 4th Panzer Armies attack northward on a line west of Krasnoarmeskoye while Army Detachment Kempf, primarily the 2nd SS Panzer Corps, drives south from Krasnodar. Manstein is generally credited with carefully handling his reserves in order to assemble the considerable forces used in the attack. Meanwhile, the Soviet forces in the salient west of Kharkov continue their advance, despite growing shortages of fuel and ammunition. One unit comes within 12 miles of Manstein's army group headquarters. 

In Tunisia... A night battle develops on the front before Thala (during night of February 21-22). Both sides suffer heavy losses. At the same time, an American artillery regiment (led by General Irwin) arrives after an 800 mile march from Oran achieved in 4 days. At dawn the British, with the newly arrived American artillery support, launch a limited counterattack. The German forces pull back in the afternoon. The improved flying weather on this day is generally noted as weighing in the Allies' favor.