7032

US Amtracs and Amphibians at War 1941-45

7032 US Amtracs and Amphibians at War 1941-45

by Steven Zaloga & George Balin ISBN 962-361-655-4

72 pages, 188 b/w photos, 16 color plates

Amphibious assault is one of the most difficult challenges in modern warfare. The defender has a natural advantage since the sea poses a formidable natural barrier, reinforced by coastal guns and concrete fortifications. But with the coastlines often long and it is impossible to defend all locations, the landing forces can be landed in relative safety if a weak spot is found.

The USMC was the pioneer in amtrac design. The LVT-1 (Landing, Vehicle, Tracked) was introduced in 1941 and was the first of the amphibians into combat. The US Army developed the DUKW, Weasel and the GPA Seep, though the vehicles were designed to move supplies from ship to shore, unlike the USMC concept to transport the troops direct into battle.

After a short developmental history of the amphibians, this book begins with the DUKWs operations in Sicily, Italy, then Normandy. It is followed by the Commonwealth Buffalos in their amphibious operations in Europe. The Pacific theater is where the amtracs was used most, and half of the book is devoted to this theater. There are many superb photos of the USMC amtracs fighting in Tarawa, Saipan, Guam, Tinian, Peleliu, Philippines, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. All the variants of the LVT family are covered, from amphibian tractors to amtanks to flame throwers.

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