Mark R. Henry

This volume is a compilation of three titles from the Osprey Men-at-Arms series (numbers 342, 347, and 350), focusing on the uniforms and equipment of the U.S. Army in the Pacific, Mediterranean, and Northwest Europe theaters during World War II. Each section includes an overview of the relevant campaigns, organization, combat uniforms, equipment, weapons, and divisional insignia, including service histories and shoulder patches.

The book features 24 color plates by renowned military show more illustrator Mike Chappell, alongside a collection of rare photographs. The accompanying text by Mark R. Henry is rich in detail, highlighting lesser-known units such as the Nisei (100th Battalion) — a 1,500-strong unit formed mainly from Hawaiian National Guardsmen of Japanese-American descent — African-American troops, the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC), and various medical service units. Notably, coverage of more well-known units like the Airborne and Rangers is limited, and the U.S. Air Force is not included, requiring readers to consult other titles for that content.

This book serves as a solid introductory guide for modelers and history enthusiasts alike. While some sections are relatively brief, the author makes a commendable effort to outline the Army's structure in a clear and informative way. The sections on the equipment of armored, mechanized cavalry, and tank destroyer units are particularly well-researched and insightful. Though not a definitive reference, this is a highly readable and accessible starting point for those new to the topic. show less

A five star Osprey book. This means that it does what such a book should do-not too much, and not too little. Henry focuses the topic on the organization, dress, and equipment of the U.S. Army in World War I. There is not adventuring off to describe the campaigns of the U.S. Army, or its developments in the Mexican Punitive Expedition, or a sudden change of direction to discuss the origins of the U.S. Tank Corps.

The text is admirably supported by the color plates. If you're interested in show more this topic, paint military miniatures, you'll be well served by this volume. show less