Tank Killers: A History of America's World War II Tank Destroyer Force

Harry Yeide's The Tank Killers recounts the dramatic and overlooked history of the American Tank Destroyer Force (TD) in North Africa, Italy, and the European Theater of Operations during World War II, and the men who served in those battalions. The TD was a bold response to the challenges posed by the seemingly unstoppable German blitzkrieg. Using internal records and interviews with survivors, Yeide presents the entire story of the TD, from its formation in 1941 through victory in 1945. Until now, the gritty details of the amazing TD missions have never been published in a work of popular history.

Tank Destroyers were designed to be light and fast to outmaneuver panzers, but still wield the firepower needed to kill German tanks, Yeide recounts in vivid detail how TDs fought their way to victory in North Africa, where they were recognized as an invaluable battlefield asset. TD reconnaissance teams established a record there for daring operations that would continue for the rest of the war. Once victory was secured in Africa, these battalions went on to serve in every major operation in Italy and Fortress Europe. As more dangerous panzers took the field, the TD crews discovered their guns were the only viable way to stop German armor. By VE day, the tank destroyer battalions had achieved impressive records, usually with kill/loss rates heavily in their favor. The Tank Killers: A History of America's World War II Tank Destroyer Force draws heavily upon official reports and documents, as well as interviews with TD veterans. It is a deeply researched and well-written history that will appeal to every student of World War II.

About the Author:
Harry Yeide is aninternational affairs analyst who writes assessments for the president of the United States and senior policymakers