American Armor In the Pacific

Casemate's Illustrated Series has continued to grow and improve. The original volumes (previously reviewed here) were often reprints of French books. And though well done, with numerous of great images, they somewhat lacked in terms of the analysis that often makes the difference between one wanting to pick up a new book about a previously well-covered topic or not. However, since those initial volumes released in 2018 the series has evolved. In fact, in recent months it has rolled out an impressive series of totally new publications. Among them stands American Armor in the Pacific - a welcome addition to the series' growing ranks.

First off, let's get to the primary reason a reader would purchase any of the books in the series: the pictures. Packed with over 100 images, American Armor in the Pacific is exactly what a reader interested in the armored battles fought between the Imperial Japanese war machine and U.S. military would want to see. Most notably, this is not just a book focusing on the U.S. Army and Marine tank battalions that fought in the Second World War's Pacific Theater of Operations. In addition, there is detailed coverage of M3 half-track tank destroyers and the venerable "amtrac" or civilian developed amphibious tractor that when adapted for use by the U.S. Marine Corps and Army proved an essential element in the success of U.S. amphibious operations during the Second World War (and beyond - as the basic amtrac model has soldiered on ever since in more modernized form).

Furthermore, much attention is given to the Japanese Second World War era tank park. This includes a detailed look at the technical specifications of Japanese armor and its employment. Furthermore, there is much analysis into how and why the U.S. forces so commonly bested what should have been a powerful adjunct to Japanese defensive efforts even in spite of the obsolete nature of most Japanese armor as compared to the sturdy M4 Sherman in particular. The book also contains brief descriptions of the most notable armored engagements fought between the U.S. and Japanese forces.

American Armor in the Pacific is a great entry-level book for the person lacking comprehensive knowledge of the war and eager to learn more about an often under-appreciated aspect of the successful U.S. march across the Pacific during the war. In addition, and for the person who brings a bit of knowledge to the table, there are several interesting nuggets of information that may have escaped your attention and brought to the forefront by author Mike Guardia's research and ability to highlight the more interesting aspects of his discoveries. Finally, we have the pictures. Though already mentioned in this review I would be remiss if I didn't let the reader know that many of them I have not seen before, and in and of themselves these clearly captioned and well selected images are more than worth the modest price of this enjoyable read.