Steve J. Zaloga Livres

A comprehensive and detailed illustrated examination of the development and combat performance of US battle tanks from World War I to the end of World War II. In this, the first of two highly illustrated volumes examining the complete history of US Army and US Marine Corps battle tanks, Steven J. Zaloga focuses on the history of the tank in American service from the first experiments with armored vehicles in the early years of the 20th century through to the end of World War II. Expanding on material published in Osprey series including New Vanguard, Campaign, and Duel, US Battle Tanks 1917–1945 explores the concepts and practice of tank development from the Renault FT, through the M4 Sherman to the M26 Pershing. It describes the experiences of the crews who saw combat, the performance of each tank in battle, and how each American armored fighting vehicle compared with the enemy armor it faced, as well as the key lessons learned from combat that led to new concepts and technological breakthroughs.

The Battle of France in 1940 involved the first large-scale tank-against-tank battles in history. The massive clashes at Stonne, Hannant, and Gembloux involved hundreds of tanks on both sides, yet have faded from memory due to the enormity of the French defeat. This book examines two of the premier opposing tanks of the Wehrmacht and the French Army, the German PzKpfw IV and the French Char B1 bis. With a complete history of the design, development, and deployment of these armored fighting vehicles, the story of these great battles is brought to life in a highly illustrated format.

The anti-tank rifle was the foot soldier’s last line of defense against enemy armor during World War I and throughout much of World War II, notably in Polish, German, and Soviet service. Featuring full-color artwork, this fully illustrated study reveals the technology and tactics behind this influential weapon.

The story of the second generation of America's legendary M1 Abrams tank, and its development and combat experience during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

Nearly 1200 photos of American and German tanks from World War II with Steven Zaloga's expert captions

Smashing Hitler's Guns amplifies this famous D-Day story in three important ways. Firstly, D-Day expert Steven J. Zaloga analyzes why such a risky operation was required at all, detailing both the perceived and real threat posed by coastal guns based on previous Allied experiences from North Africa to Dieppe to Italy. Secondly, he provides a comprehensive account of all three of the Ranger missions on D-Day, including the often forgotten mission to destroy the guns at Pointe-et-Raz-de-la-Percée and the vital role the Rangers played in redeeming the stalled American assault on Omaha Beach. Thirdly, he examines several critical but often ignored subjects, such as the German side of the battle for Pointe-du-Hoc and the crucial role played by the Allied navies and air forces in overwhelming the German defenses. Tackling modern controversies and historic myths throughout, this is the definitive history of the Rangers on D-Day, exploring not only what happened at Pointe-du-Hoc, but why it happened. Book jacket.

The Rhine represented the last major geographical barrier to the Allied advance into Germany. But, the Ludendorff bridge at Remagen - the last major bridge remaining over the Rhine - had not yet been demolished. This book details this pivotal campaign, which secured the bridge at Remagen for the allies, and so, secured the outcome of the war.

In September 1944 Hitler ordered an attack on Gen. George Patton's Third Army, which was deep inside France making for the Rhine and threatening the German industrial heartland beyond. The ensuing battle near Arracourt--the U.S. Army's largest tank-versus-tank clash until the Bulge--went badly for the Germans, who committed their armor piecemeal and whose offensive was shattered in a series of intense, close-range tank duels with the Americans. Armor expert Steven Zaloga deftly reconstructs the battle and shows how American Sherman tanks bested superior German Panthers.

Featuring artwork, and archive photographs, this study offers key insights into the tactics, leadership, combat performance, and subsequent reputations of six representative US and German infantry battalions pitched into three pivotal actions that determined the course of the campaign for mastery in Western Europe at the height of World War II.