Early US Armor: Tanks 1916–40

Osprey New Vanguard #245

by Steven J. Zaloga, Felipe Rodríguez (Illustrator)

Between the two World Wars, the US contributed significantly to the development of the tank, a weapon invented by the British and the French seeking a way to break through the lines of German trenches. From the employment of the French Renault FT and British Mark V during their involvement in World War I, the US branched out with their own indigenous designs including the M1 Cavalry Car and the M2 Light and Medium tanks, the precursors to the Stuart and Grant tanks of World War II. Tank designers in this period faced unique challenges and so the story of early American armour is littered with failures amongst the successes.

Featuring previously unpublished photos and fully illustrated throughout, Early American Armor (1): Tanks 1916–40 is essential reading for anyone interested in American armour, or in the development of tank design.

Genres: Military Fiction

60 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 23, 2017

About the author

Steven Zaloga is an author and defense analyst known worldwide for his articles and publications on military technology.  He has written over a hundred books on military technology and military history, including “Armored Thunderbolt: The US Army Sherman in World War II”, one of the most highly regarded histories of the Sherman Tank.  His books have been translated into Japanese, German, Polish, Czech, Romanian, and Russian. He was a special correspondent for Jane’s Intelligence Review and is on the executive board of the Journal of Slavic Military Studies and the New York Military Affairs Symposium. From 1987 through 1992, he was the writer/producer for Video Ordnance Inc., preparing their TV series Firepower.  He holds a BA in history from Union College and an MA in history from Columbia University.

Mr. Zaloga is also a noted scale armor modeler and is a host/moderator of the World War II Allied Discussion group at Missing-Lynx.com, a modelling website. He is a frequent contributor to the UK-based modeling magazine Military Modelling. He is a member of the Armor Modeling and Preservation Society.

Reviews

[Robert Krenzel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A concise, thorough treatment of a niche topic. A must-read for armor enthusiasts and modelers.

[Steve Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brief but informative overview of the rapid development of U.S. armor during and up to just before The United States' entry into World War II.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book covering in detail tank development in the US Army between World War 1 and 2. Covers a lot of items that I knew nothing about, though doesn't cover the doctrine. Very good, otherwise.

[Frank De · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and documenten. Perfect resource for the model builder.