United States Tanks and Tank Destroyers of the Second World War

Michael Green's comprehensive examination of American armored vehicles during World War II provides readers with an authoritative reference work that combines technical specifications with historical context. This volume stands as a valuable resource for military historians, armor enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to understand the development and deployment of American tank forces during the conflict.

The book covers the full spectrum of American armored fighting vehicles that saw service between 1941 and 1945, from the early light tanks that proved inadequate against German armor to the heavy tanks that arrived near the war's end. Green meticulously documents the evolution of American armor doctrine and design philosophy, explaining how battlefield experiences in North Africa, Europe, and the Pacific influenced subsequent vehicle development. The inclusion of tank destroyers as a separate category reflects the unique American approach to armored warfare, where specialized vehicles were created specifically for anti-tank roles.

Green's technical descriptions provide readers with detailed information about each vehicle's specifications, including armor thickness, armament, engine performance, and operational characteristics. The M4 Sherman medium tank receives extensive coverage, appropriate given its status as the primary American tank throughout the war. The author explains the various Sherman variants, from the standard 75mm gun version to the more powerful 76mm armed models and the British-developed Sherman Firefly. This attention to variant development helps readers understand how the American military attempted to address the Sherman's shortcomings when facing superior German armor.

The section on light tanks traces the progression from the M3 Stuart through subsequent models, explaining their roles in reconnaissance and exploitation operations. Green describes how these vehicles, while inadequate for direct combat against enemy tanks, proved valuable in screening operations and pursuit actions. The discussion of their service in the Pacific Theater, where Japanese armor posed less of a threat, provides important context for understanding why these vehicles remained in production despite their limitations in European combat.

Tank destroyer coverage examines both turreted and open-topped variants, explaining the doctrinal thinking behind these specialized vehicles. The M10, M18 Hellcat, and M36 Jackson each receive detailed treatment, with Green explaining their respective strengths and the operational challenges they faced. The author addresses the ongoing debate about whether the tank destroyer concept represented sound doctrine or a misallocation of resources, presenting information that allows readers to form their own conclusions.

Heavy tank development receives appropriate attention, with discussion of the M26 Pershing and its limited wartime deployment. Green explains the bureaucratic and logistical challenges that delayed heavy tank introduction, as well as the design compromises necessary to create a vehicle that could be transported overseas and maintained in the field. The late arrival of American heavy tanks meant that Sherman crews faced German Panthers and Tigers with vehicles that were outmatched in armor and firepower, a situation the author documents without sensationalism.

The book benefits from extensive photographic documentation, showing vehicles in various settings from factory floors to combat zones. These images complement the technical descriptions and help readers visualize the vehicles under discussion. Period photographs of crews and maintenance operations provide insights into the practical aspects of operating these machines under wartime conditions.

Green addresses the industrial aspects of American armor production, noting the massive manufacturing capacity that allowed the United States to produce tanks in quantities that Axis powers could not match. This production emphasis, while resulting in vehicles that were sometimes technically inferior to their opponents, created a numerical advantage that proved decisive. The author's treatment of this topic avoids triumphalism while acknowledging the strategic importance of American industrial output.

The organization of material allows readers to approach the book either as a comprehensive read or as a reference work for specific vehicles. Each vehicle type receives structured treatment that covers development history, technical characteristics, combat employment, and variants. This consistent approach makes information easy to locate and compare across different vehicle types.

For readers seeking detailed technical information about American World War II armor, this volume delivers substantial content in an accessible format. Green's expertise in military vehicle history is evident throughout, and his ability to present technical information without overwhelming readers makes the book suitable for both specialists and general enthusiasts. The work serves as a solid reference that documents an important aspect of American military capability during the Second World War, providing the kind of detailed information that supports serious study of armored warfare during this period.