United States Tanks & Tank Destroyers of the Second World War

by Michael Green

This comprehensive and superbly illustrated book describes in authoritative detail the characteristics and contribution to victory of these formidable American fighting vehicles.Only after the Nazis invaded Poland and France did the United States Government authorize mass production of tanks. By the end of the War American industry had built nearly 90,000 tanks, more than Germany and Great Britain combined. The first big order in May 1940 was for 365 M2A4 light tanks, the initial iteration of the Stuart series, with almost 24,000 constructed. The Stuart series was supplemented by almost 5,000 units of the M24 Chaffee light tank. There was also the failed M22 Locust light tank intended for airborne operations. The M4 series of medium tanks, best known as the Sherman, were the most numerous with some 50,000 in service with not only the American military but British and other Allied armies. It was not until later in the war that the M26 Pershing heavy tank was built. Initially the US Army doctrine saw tanks as primarily for the exploitation role. Later the concept of tank destroyers evolved to counter large scale German armored offensives. These defensive AFVs included the half-track-based 75mm Gun Motor Carriage M3 and the full-tracked M10, M18, and M36. This comprehensive and superbly illustrated book describes in authoritative detail the characteristics and contribution to victory of these formidable fighting vehicles.

273 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 30, 2021

Reviews

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

have just finished the light tank chapter of this book on American tanks and tank destroyers of world war 2. it contains a great grounding in what you will be reading about starting in the early 1930s and carrying through to the end of the war also has some amazing pictures of the inside. just before reading it i also read ospreys early American armour book which really gave a good grounding in this subject. if interested in tanks this is a absolute must have and amazing read

[John H Geise]

You'll learn much you never new!

An extremely well-researched book that exposes many hard to find resources! The writer states the facts and leaves the opinions to the reader. Lots of great pics illustrate each topic. A good read!

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Overview of US Armor

Great details & photos of US Armor. The variants of each model are sometimes lost but this compendium provides a solid overview.