U.S. Army Vehicle Markings, 1944

U.S. Army Vehicle Markings, 1944
Author: Jean Bouchery
Publisher: Casemate
Total Pages: 146
Release: 2019-06-28
Genre: History
ISBN: 1612007384

An illustrated guide to the markings used on WWII Era U.S. Army tanks, lorries and Jeeps—an invaluable reference for historians, modelers and collectors. The markings of a 1944 U.S. Army Jeep are an iconic image of American military and the Second World War. But few people know what the distinctive white letters, numbers and symbols actually mean. This uniquely detailed guide explains how these and other markings were integral to organizing the U.S. Army on the move. U.S. Army Vehicle Markings 1944 covers all the markings used on American military vehicles to denote their unit and classification. It also covers tactical markings and the debarkation codes used in the Normandy landings. Hundreds of contemporary photographs are paired with precise color diagrams to show exactly how markings appeared on vehicles, including the exact measurements. The volume explains all the variations in the use of these markings and includes a chapter on the varieties of camouflage used on vehicles.

U.S. Army Chevrolet Trucks in World War II

U.S. Army Chevrolet Trucks in World War II
Author: Didier Andres
Publisher: Casemate
Total Pages: 164
Release: 2020-04-30
Genre: History
ISBN: 161200864X

A detailed, pictorial history of the 1 1/2-ton Chevy truck and its use by the U.S. Army during World War II. From 1940 to 1945, large numbers of trucks of all categories were delivered to the U.S. Army by the Chevrolet Motor Division of General Motors. Over 160,000 of these trucks were G-506 light four-wheel-drive trucks—which became the standard 1 1/2-ton, 4x4 truck for both the U.S. Army and Army Air Corps during the war. In addition, many more thousands were delivered to Allied forces as part of the Lend-Lease program, including nearly 50,000 delivered to the Soviet Union. Tough, well-built, and more agile than the deuce and a half, the Chevy 11⁄2 ton played a part in every theater of operations during the war. Its durability and mechanical reliability made it ideal for a wide range of missions. Not for nothing did Chevy advertise the trucks during the war as “Vehicles of Victory.” More than 75 years after it was designed, the small Chevrolet truck is still a favorite with collectors. This fully illustrated book details the different series of trucks and their many uses within the U.S. Army including cargo trucks, panel delivery trucks for the Signal Corps, dump trucks for engineers, telephone trucks, tractors, and bomb service trucks for the air force. It also covers their part in the Lend-Lease program, and their continued use after the war.

U.S. Army Diamond T Vehicles in World War II

U.S. Army Diamond T Vehicles in World War II
Author: Didier Andres
Publisher: Casemate
Total Pages: 162
Release: 2022-07-20
Genre: History
ISBN: 1636241611

A detailed summary of all the types of Diamond T vehicles used by the US Army during World War II, packed full of period photos and diagrams. Between 1940 and 1945, Diamond T Motor Car Company supplied just over 50,000 vehicles to the US military, and also to the Allies. Of this, just over 30,000 were heavy 4-ton 6x6 trucks of varying types: cargo, tow truck, pontoon carrier, engineer, cartographic, etc. The "Diamond" would serve in all theaters of operations, wherever its robustness and reliability were necessary to complete the mission. Due to its expertise, Diamond T also produced the famous half-track, with more than 10,000 manufactured. All of these models are described in this work by Didier Andres, an expert in the subject. The text is illustrated throughout using archival and period photographs and diagrams.

The Armoured Forces of the Bulgarian Army, 1936-45

The Armoured Forces of the Bulgarian Army, 1936-45
Author: Kaloyan Matev
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2014-01-15
Genre: Armored vehicles, Military
ISBN: 9781909384163

This book provides a detailed history of motor vehicles and armored fighting vehicles in the Bulgarian Army from 1936, during the last years of peace, until the end of the Second World War in 1945. For much of this period, Bulgaria was allied to Germany. The Bulgarian Army was mainly equipped with German weapons, or equipment captured by the Germans and then sold to Bulgaria. The negotiations as well as supplies of motor vehicles and armored vehicles are described at length. The combat service of the army's armored units is also described in detail, firmly based on archival research. Despite Bulgaria's entry into World War II as early as 1941, the only military actions during the first period of the war were related to the occupation of parts of Yugoslavia and Greece. The real combat service of the Bulgarian Army began in September 1944 against its former ally, the Germans. The delivery of armored fighting vehicles for 1st Bulgarian Army from the Soviet 3rd Ukrainian Front 1945 is described in detail. Until very recently, the fate of all armored fighting vehicles in the Bulgarian Army in 1945 remained completely unknown. The classified status of the documents prevented any detailed study. However, this is now possible, and full coverage is provided. In addition to a detailed narrative, the author also provides full information covering camouflage, markings, and unit insignia. The authoritative text is supported by over 600 photographs (the majority of them previously unpublished), color profiles showing camouflage, markings, color unit insignia and color battle maps. This book is a result of the author's years of study in the Bulgarian Central Military Archive. Such a detailed study on this topic has not appeared before, and the author's work is unlikely to be superseded.

Dodge WC54 Ambulance

Dodge WC54 Ambulance
Author: Fabien Raud
Publisher: Casemate
Total Pages: 162
Release: 2022-07-20
Genre: History
ISBN: 1636242146

In 1940, the U.S. Army began to standardize the production of vehicles it required to fight a modern war—including support and medical vehicles. The first deliveries of the 3⁄4-ton Dodge WC54 ambulance arrived in 1942. Built by Chrysler, and utilizing the same chassis and engine as the entire Dodge WC series, the WC54 ambulance has specific features to use for the rescue and transport of injured soldiers. In all, more than 26,000 Dodge WC54 vehicles would be built during the war. Used by the U.S. military and its allies, it remained in service after the war in a number of countries including France. The Dodge WC54 ambulance is an iconic vehicle from this period, and remains highly sought after by collectors—it is still possible to find ambulances in varying states of repair available for sale. Based upon his own painstaking restoration of a WC54, the author presents in detail every element of this vehicle—chassis, cabin, electrical circuitry, accessories, and markings. He explains the adaptations made to the body, mechanics, and markings of the ambulance during the war, and shows the differences between the Dodge WC54s used by the U.S. military and those of the French army. Abundantly illustrated with more than 450 photos, this book is a perfect reference for all enthusiasts of military vehicles.

T-34-85 Medium Tank 1944–94

T-34-85 Medium Tank 1944–94
Author: Steven J. Zaloga
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Total Pages: 50
Release: 2013-08-20
Genre: History
ISBN: 1472805569

The T-34-85 tank is one of those rare weapons that have remained in service for more than half a century. First introduced in 1944, it has seen combat in nearly every corner of the globe. Steven Zaloga and Jim Kinnear look at this long-serving tank at length. Although long obsolete in Europe, it has proven a reliable and potent weapon in many Third World conflicts, and is still in service with more than a dozen armies around the world.