Continuing with their 'in Vietnam' in action titles, Squadron/Signal brings out this one on the M48A3 Patton tank. The Patton was the main US battle tank through the 1950s and 1960s until the M60 came on line. Originally, the M48 was powered by a gasoline engine, which gave it good mobility, but it was fuel-thirsty and had a somewhat limited range. The A3 version saw the introduction of a diesel powered Patton that not only greatly increased the range of the tank, but also provided some additional safety in that diesel fuel is not quite as volatile as gasoline.

By the time of heavy involvement in Vietnam, both the Marines and the Army had this latest version in their inventory, with older ones being rebuilt to the current standards. Of course, no tank went into combat unmodified by the men who fought in it and the Patton was not alone in this. Probably the most noticeable modification was the removal of the turrent mounted machine gun from its own cupola to outside the housing, providing the gunner with greater all around visibility. There were also the usual additions of various racks and baskets to carry provisions and gear.

In this book, author David Doyle (who seems to be the de-facto author of S/S publications as he's done the last five or six I've had to review) covers the use of the M48A3 in Vietnam from inception to the withdrawal of US forces. Even then, the vehicles left behind for ARVN forces were used to great effect.

This is primarily a photo book, as are most of the In Action series, and this one has a goodly number of quality images, some taking up the entire page. The majority of them are in full color and we get to see just how these vehicles actually looked in service. There are small sections on flame thrower and recovery vehicles as well, though I'm sure some would like to see more.

Overall, it is a superb reference for modelers and a trip down memory lane for many of you out there who have crewed this tank.

April 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.