Warrior 78: US Army Tank Crewman 1941–45, European Theatre of Operations 1944–45

by Steven J Zaloga, illustrated by Howard Gerrard

Published by Osprey Publishing Ltd, ISBN 1-84176-554-6, 64 pages.

Here Steve Zaloga describes the whole process of selection, training and operations for a WW2 crewman. The slightly baffling title actually means the he covers selection and training from 1941 and operation in Europe in 1944-45. His chosen example is the outstanding one of Creighton Abrams, so several photos of Abrams’ Thunderbolt tanks are included and they’re in the colour plates as well. But although Abram’s career and combat service are followed that doesn’t meant that the book only deals with him – the whole emphasis is on how the average man was selected, trained and fought and the long section on combat in Europe includes many other men’s experiences. The colour plates are good, and include one with the organisation of Coy B, 37th Tank Bn in July 1944 giving the name of every tank in the Company. The selection of photographs is outstanding!

Very highly recommended, get this book!
John Prigent

More details from Osprey Publishing

Read an extract at Osprey Publishing