Probably as ubiquitous as the Huey in Vietnam was the M113 APC. This was, for decades, the standard armored personnel carrier in the US Army until replaced by the Bradley fighting vehicle. Even today, many nations use the M113 and a few are still in use with US forcers.

But it was Vietnam where it was used the most and it was Vietnam that showed its few vices, including its light weight construction that made it rather susceptible to mines and any large arms fire. Because of the first danger, most people who were transported in the M113, chose to ride atop it rather than inside where a mine strike could turn the interior into a charnel house.

One of the initial upgrades to the M113 was the inclusion of a heavy machine gun and shield, turning the M113 into an ACAV. The 113 was also used as a command vehicle, light bridge layer and mortar vehicle amongst the many uses.

This book is all about the M113 and its use in Vietnam. The 64 pages are full of color images of the M113 in a variety of roles and on a variety of terrain. One thing in common with all these images is that the vehicles are coated in either mud or dust. The photos show a wide variation of equipment and material carried on the vehicles, making the book one that modelers will truly find useful. Included in the book are a number of nicely done color profiles. Historical background info is minimal at best, relying on the photo captions to tell the story.

Overall, an excellent book that I can easily recommend to you.

January 2010

Thanks to Squadron Products for the review copy. Get yours today at your favorite shop or on-line retailer.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.