Self-propelled Guns - USA: Books - History and Models

M40 Gun Motor Carriage and M43 Howitzer Motor Carriage in WWII and Korea (Legends of Warfare)

As the US entered WWII, the nation lacked heavy self-propelled artillery, instead relying heavily on towed artillery, much of it WWI-surplus. Only 100 examples of the nation's first heavy self-propelled gun, the M12, were built.
Finding favor once deployed, attention was turned to developing an improved model. Initially designated the T83, and later as the M40, the new 155mm Gun Motor Carriage was first fielded in the closing months of WWII.

Already scheduled for mass production, the M40, and its companion 8-inch howitzer-armed M43, continued to see extensive use during the Korean War, providing crucial support to infantry and armor formations.

The M40 Gun Motor Carriage and M43 Howitzer Motor Carriage are featured in over 200 photographs, providing a detailed study of the conception, development, testing, and combat use of these key vehicles.
Historic period images, as well as, meticulously photographed surviving examples, provide a detailed look at this important piece of US military hardware.

Information

Author:	David Doyle
Details:	112 pages, 23.5 x 23.5 x 1.9 cm / 9.25 x 9.25 x 0.75 in, hardback
Illustrations:	209 b&w and colour photos
Publisher:	Schiffer Publishing Ltd (USA, 2017)
Series:	Legends of Warfare
ISBN:	9780764354021

155mm Assault Gun M53 and 8-inch Howitzer M55, Self Propelled - Field Manual (FM6-93)

The 155mm assault gun M53 was developed with components taken from M47 Patton medium tanks during the Cold War. The M53, with its 155 mm primary gun, delivered long range support to allied positions, and its self-propelled design enabled it to travel great distances. The M53 eventually saw action with both the United States Army and Marine Corps. Pacific Car & Foundry Company was responsible for assembly.

Beginning in 1956, the United States Army upgraded its M53 line to the M55. The M55 was a fully armored self-propelled artillery based on the M53 155mm assault gun. It had a 203.2 mm howitzer which could traverse 30° left or right, carrying only 10 rounds of ammunition. The gun had a maximum range of 16,916 meters with a rate of fire of one round every two minutes.
The engine was mounted in the front and drove through a front-drive sprocket. The driver's cupola is visible on the front left of the turret, and spare track blocks were stored on the turret front. The M55 saw action during the Vietnam War, andwas then withdrawn from US military service.

Created in 1957, this field manual reveals a great deal about the M53's design and capabilities. Intended as a commander's manual for training crew members, it details many methods of attaining effecient teamwork while operating the gun. Drills are described in detail, with the ultimate goal beingthe successful operation of the M53 and M55 on the battlefield.
Originally labeled restricted, this manual was declassified long ago and is here reprinted in book form. Care has been taken to preserve the integrity of the text.

Information

Author:	U.S. Army War Department
Details:	156 pages, 23 x 15.5 x 0.9 cm / 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.35 in, paperback
Illustrations:	numerous photos and drawings
Publisher:	Periscope Film (USA, 2013)
ISBN:	9781937684518

M65 Atomic Cannon - Rare Photographs from Wartime Archives (Images of War)

In 1949, the US Army wanted an artillery gun that could fire a nuclear warhead in the event that guided missiles and long-range bombers proved insufficient in delivering atomic weapons. The result was the M65, 280mm Atomic Cannon. On May 25, 1953, at 0830 hours, an M65 of A Battery, 867th Field Artillery Battalion, let loose with the only nuclear round the type would ever fire.

Six battalions of the M65 would eventually be deployed, most in Europe with one battalion sent to the Korean Peninsula. Though never used in combat, they served as a significant tactical nuclear deterrent in the early stages of the Cold War.
Through historic photos, this volume traces the development, production and deployment of this iconic piece of military equipment from the drawing boards to the Cold War battlefields of Europe.

Information

Author:	david Doyle
Details:	272 pages, 24.5 x 19 x 1.4 cm / 9.7 x 7.5 x 0.55 in, paperback
Illustrations:	385 b&w and colour photos
Publisher:	Pen & Sword Books Ltd (GB, 2019)
Series:	Images of War
ISBN:	9781526743602

M42 Duster - Self-Propelled Antiaircraft Vehicle (Legends of Warfare)

NEW

The M42 Duster, a tracked antiaircraft vehicle developed by Cadillac in the early 1950s for the US Army, featured the adaptation of the Bofors 40 mm AA gun to a modified M41/T41 tank chassis.
While not extensively utilized in its intended air defense role, the M42 found a unique purpose during the Vietnam War. Its compact size and agility, coupled with a high rate of fire and formidable sound, made it imposing.

Beyond its primary role, the Duster was repurposed for ground combat against infantry and light vehicles during the conflict, earning moderate acclaim.
This volume, comprising over 300 photos, provides a comprehensive visual exploration of the M42 Duster, showcasing every aspect of its interior and exterior, along with compelling combat images.

Information

Author:	David Doyle
Details:	144 pages, 23 x 23 cm / 9.1 x 9.1 in, hardback
Illustrations:	317 b&w and colour photos
Publisher:	Schiffer Publishing Ltd (USA, 2023)
Series:	Legends of Warfare
ISBN:	9780764367823