willing patriots - schiffermilitary.com · of german paratroops in world war ii ... allgemeine and...

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New Titles • �

A SCHIFFER MILITARY HISTORY BOOK

Men of Color in the first World WarRobert J. Dalessandro & Gerald Torrence

Willing PatriotsWilling PatriotsMen of Color in the First World War

Robert J. Dalessandro & Gerald Torrence

• most comprehensive book ever published on this topic • very rare, previously unpublished World War I era photos

• full-color images of extremely rare unit insignia

“Willing Patriots” tells the story of Black Americans who served in the U.S. Army in the First World War. The book provides the reader deep-ly researched treatment of the organization, combat history/battle participation of all black troops including the two infantry divisions, supporting organizations of the Services Of Supply, and the special troops. Additionally, the work contains an exhaustive bibliography of primary and secondary references for each unit informing the reader of sources for further study; lavishly illustrated with nearly 300 de-tailed color and war-era photographs of these valorous men. These rare and previously unpublished photographs are drawn from pub-lic and private collections nationwide providing a lens into this long forgotten aspect of World War I.

Size: 81/2”x11” • over 270 color/bw images • approx.256 pp.ISBN: 978-0-7643-3233-3 • hard cover • $69.99

Available March

A SCHIFFER MILITARY HISTORY BOOK jon a. maguire

Silver Wings & Leather Jackets

rare, unique, and unusual artifactsof first and second World War allied flyers

Silver Wings & Leather JacketsRare, Unique, and Unusual Artifacts

of First and Second World War Allied FlyersJon A. Maguire

• covers the rarest and most sought after AAF collectibles • subjects include AVG, Eagle Squadrons, and painted A-2 jackets

• author’s tenth book on World War II military collectibles

“Silver Wings & Leather Jackets” is the sixth book in Jon Maguire’s definitive series on the uniforms and insignia of U.S. Army aviation from World War I through World War II. This volume focuses on rare and unusual items not covered in the author’s previous books. For this book, aviation museums and private collectors throughout the U.S. have generously opened their collections of extremely rare: AVG, Eagle Squadron, Aces, A-2 jackets, attributed general’s items, OSS material, First Air Commandos, World War I wing badges, CNAC, paper items, and many other interesting and unique artifacts.


Available April

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� • New Titles


German ParatrooPsin scandinavia

Fallschirmjäger in denmark and norwayapril-June 1940

Óscar González

Fallschirmjäger in PortraitStudio and Field Portraits

of German Paratroops in World War IIChris Mason & Eric Queen

• rare photos of German WWII paratroops, most never before published• nearly all photos are presented in large, full-page format

• authors are reknowned collectors of Fallschirmjäger imagery

A little more than 30,000 men of the Wehrmacht and SS qualified to wear the famed Fallschirmschützenabzeichen, or Paratrooper Badge, between 1936 and 1944. The badges they wore, and the images of the men who wore them, are avidly sought by collectors and historians around the world today. The authors have assembled over 300 indoor and outdoor posed portrait photographs of the Fallschirmjäger for this volume, most never before published, providing a fascinating representation of the photographer’s art in World War II and a superb study of their uniforms, badges and insignia. In poses ranging from fierce to thoughtful and even poignant, the German paratroops of World War II are seen here in perfect focus, as they wanted to be seen, preserved in deliberate portraiture for posterity.

Size: 9”x12” • over 300 full-page, sepia-toned bw images • 304 pp.ISBN: 978-0-7643-3137-4 • hard cover • $100.00

Available Now

German Paratroops in ScandinaviaFallschirmjäger in Denmark and Norway

April-June 19�0Óscar González

• history of German paratroop operations in Operation “Weserübung” • discussion of some of the first combat jumps of World War II

• over 160 color and black and white images, maps

The German conquest of Denmark and Norway in spring 1940 pres-ents an interesting study of joint strategy between ground, air, and sea forces. In this campaign, the Germans placed great emphasis on mobility, speed, and surprise. The Fallschirmjäger of 1940 was a well-trained, highly-motivated force, and their participation in Operation “Weserübung” – the codename for the Wehrmacht assault on Den-mark and Norway – is this subject of this book. Among the topics dis-cussed are German paratroop operations (some of the first combat jumps of the war) against the main Danish and Norwegian bridges and aerodromes, the jump on Dombås, behind enemy lines, and also their tenacious resistance on the snow-covered grounds of Narvik.

Size: 6”x9” • over 160 color/bw images • 192 pp.ISBN: 978-0-7643-3241-8 • hard cover • $45.00

Available February


New Titles • �


The ColleCTor’s Guide To CloTh headGear of The

allgemeine and Waffen-ssMichael D. Beaver with William Shea


luftwaffe generalsThe Knight’s Cross Holders • 1939-1945

Jeremy Dixon

The Collector’s Guideto Cloth Headgear of the

Allgemeine and Waffen-SSMichael D. Beaver with William Shea

• definitive, illustrated history of these rare and sought after collectibles• photos include large format color, and rare war era portraits

• the late Mike Beaver also acclaimed for his Waffen-SS uniform series

This new book provides an organized, chronological guide to the evolution and development of the myriad types of soft headgear worn by the SS. As the pre- and war-years progressed, geographical areas of operation changed, and the composition of the SS divisions evolved. So also, did the headgear worn by these troops. This reference illustrates a great number of these examples with over 600 photos including more than half in color. The overwhelming majority of these pictures including many rare original candid period snapshots have never been seen before in any previous publication.

Size: 9”x12” • over 600 color/bw images • approx.256 pp.ISBN: 978-0-7643-3230-2 • hard cover • $100.00

Available February

Luftwaffe GeneralsThe Knight’s Cross Holders • 19�9-19��

Jeremy Dixon

• covers Luftwaffe aviators, paratroops, and field-marshals• detailed biographies from primary and secondary sources• selection of rare photographs accompany each biography

This book presents the biographies of 115 Luftwaffe officers who reached the rank of general and who were awarded the Knight’s Cross, and higher grades of the award during their career. This study brings together the highest ranking recipients of this special award from the Luftwaffe, the German air force: men like fighter aces Adolf Galland and Werner Mölders; one of the most successful field commanders of the war Albert Kesselring; paratroopers like Kurt Student and Eugen Meindl; Field-Marshals Erhard Milch, Wolfram von Richthofen, Robert Ritter von Greim, Hugo Sperrle, and of course Hermann Göring the Commander-in-Chief of the Luftwaffe.

Size: 81/2”x11” • over 280 bw images • approx.352 pp.ISBN: 978-0-7643-3243-2 • hard cover • $69.99

Available March


� • New Titles


THE ULTIMATE LOOKVol.1: Guns, Ammunition, and Turrets

William Wolf

U.S. Aerial Armamentin World War II

Secret Aerospace Projects of the U.S. Navy:The Incredible Attack Aircraft of the

USS United States, 19�8-19�9Jared A. Zichek

• detailed look at a little known chapter of U.S. naval aviation• discusses designs from Convair, Douglas, Lockheed, Northrop and others

• rare photos, schematics, and documents

This is the comprehensive story of some of the most radical attack aircraft ever designed to operate from an aircraft carrier. These incred-ible projects were developed in 1948 to equip the USS United States, an immense 65,000-ton supercarrier that was to have been the core of the Navy’s nascent strategic nuclear bombardment capability. Leg-endary aerospace companies such as Convair, Curtiss-Wright, Douglas, Fairchild, Lockheed, Martin, North American, Northrop, and Republic would each submit proposals to the competitions. Varying widely in appearance, these studies ranged from Douglas’s relatively small and modern Model 593 to their unconventional Model 1186 series, which was inspired by the X-3 Stiletto and featured a small parasite aircraft mounted atop a gigantic missile. Recently declassified, details of these fascinating projects are presented here for the first time.

Size: 11”x81/2” • over 200 bw images • 232 pp.ISBN: 978-0-7643-3229-6 • hard cover • $59.99

Available January

U.S. Aerial Armament in World War IIThe Ultimate Look

Vol.1: Guns, Ammunition, and TurretsWilliam Wolf

• first of two detailed volumes covering U.S. WWII aerial armament • images include detailed photos, schematics, and tech manuals

• author’s previous “Ultimate Look” books include B-18, B-25, B-29, B-32

Following his previous “Ultimate Look” volumes on the B-29, B-32, B-18, and B-25, Wolf has written the definitive book on U.S. aerial armament in World War II. Drawing from his extensive library, microfilm archives, and technical manuals Wolf covers aerial machine guns and cannon; a discussion of the machine gun vs. cannon controversy, ammunition; gunsights; gun cameras; search radar and radar gunsights; Central Fire Control systems and remote sighting; an extensive section on the development, installation, and description of the numerous bomber turret and non-turret gun positions; fighter aircraft armament; gunnery training; bomber and fighter air-to-air and strafing gunnery tactics; fighter and bomber gunnery “aces;” and a survey of the armament installations on all World War II U.S. fighters and bombers. Each topic is introduced by a history of its development and manufacture, followed by a detailed description and pictorial of the weapon, its installation, and use.


Available March

Secret AeroSpAce projectS of the U.S. NAvyThe IncredIble ATTAck AIrcrAfT

of The USS UnITed STATeS • 1948-1949


Jared A. Zichek

vol.1


New Titles • �


Luc Dewez &Michael P. Faley

High Noon overHaseluenne

The 100Th BomBardmenT Groupover Berlin • march 6, 1944


CorsairThe Saga of the Legendary Bent-Wing Fighter-Bomber

Walter A. Musciano

High Noon over HaseluenneThe 100th Bombardment Group

over Berlin • March �,19��Luc Dewez & Michael P. Faley

• detailed look at one of the “Bloody Hundredth’s” most famous missions • story enhanced with first-hand accounts by participants

• over 190 photos of personalities, crews, and aircraft

On March 6, 1944, and the Eighth Air Force would launch a full scale assault on the German capital of Berlin. “High Noon over Haseluenne” is a microcosm look at one bomb group that flew the mission and the catastrophic results that ensued. The book deals with the 100th Bomb Group, “The Bloody Hundredth” and the mission that solidified that moniker. The concentrated attacks by the Luftwaffe would destroy sixty-nine American bombers that day, the single highest loss for any mission by the 8th Air Force, and fifteen of those losses would come from the 100th Bomb Group. We take you inside the men and machines that had to brave one of the deadliest air battles of World War II and let them tell the story. “High Noon over Haseluenne” is filled with firsthand accounts, personal diaries, letters home, news clippings, and illustrated with over 200 photos.


Available April

CorsairThe Saga of the LegendaryBent-Wing Fighter-Bomber

Walter A. Musciano

• definitive history of the legendary World War II F4U Corsair • coverage includes design, construction, and operational use

• over 800 photos, detailed line schemes, and maps

This book describes the development of the legendary F4U Corsair, and follows it into battle from Guadalcanal to the Indian Ocean, Cen-tral Pacific Ocean, Korea, Africa, and Central America, and through-out its lengthy military career into Korea. Also included are chapters on the most decorated Corsair pilots, surviving examples of various models, as well as detailed appendices, and the author’s own de-tailed line schemes and maps. A total of 2,814 F4U-1, F4U-1A, and F4U-2 Corsairs were constructed and delivered. Musciano’s book de-scribes how this naval fighter was transformed to perform a myriad of functions for which it was never intended.


Available April


8 • New Titles


flak artillery ofthe legion condor

flak abteilung (mot.) f/88in the Spanish civil War • 1936-1939

Lucas Molina & José Ma Manrique Garcia


Wartime WoodburnersAlternAtive Fuel vehicles in World WAr ii

John Fuller ryan


Hitler’s CHariots • Volume one

Mercedes-BenzG-4 Cross-Country

Touring Car

Blaine Taylor

Flak Artillery of the Legion CondorFlak Abteilung (mot.) F/88

in the Spanish Civil War 19��-19�9Lucas Molina & José Ma Manrique Garcia

• first English language look at these early Luftwaffe flak units• organizational, operational, and equipment details

• over 130 extremely rare images

This book is the first detailed look in English at the German Legion Condor’s motorized Flak Abteilung F/88 in the Spanish Civil War. Along with organiz-tional and operational histories, are detailed looks at flak guns, range finders, trucks and towing vehicles, and personalities.


Available February

Wartime WoodburnersAlternative Fuel Vehicles

in World War IIJohn Fuller Ryan

• first English language study of this timely topic• covers German Wehrmacht and civilian vehicles

• rare photos, schematics, tech manuals

In this age of high fuel prices and concern with continuing availability of oil, scientists are working on a number of approaches to alternate fuel sources. These concerns may provoke interest in how some people in gas-starved Europe dealt with such problems throughout the war years, 1939-1945. One of the most successful innovations, were the so-called “gas producer” vehicles that utilized the by-products of solid fuel combustion, employing such solids as coal, charcoal, turf, and wood to produce fuel gas for a standard internal combustion engine. This book provides an overview of such vehicles, includ-ing those used by the Wehrmacht. Schematics of operating systems and the regulations concerning their use are also included, along with a translated German illustrated operators manual.

Size: 11”x81/2” • over 120 bw images • approx.112 pp.ISBN: 978-0-7643-3240-1 • hard cover • $29.99

Available February

Hitler’s Chariots • Vol.1Mercedes-Benz G-�

Cross-Country Touring CarBlaine Taylor

• first detailed study in English of Hitler’s famous G-4 Mercedes• rare photos of G-4 in parade and war front use from a variety of archival sources

• second volume to cover Hitler’s Daimler-Benz 770k Grosser Mercedes

This book is the first ever illustrated study on the often photographed – but never fully explained – mechanical marvel, the Mercedes-Benz G-4 cross-country touring car, the vehicle that carried Adolf Hitler across much of Europe before and during World War II. Culled from the rich photo archives of Daimler-Benz, as well as from captured German albums in U.S. archives, this work depicts the G-4 in fascinating images and detailed text. Volume 2 will cover the Daimler-Benz 770K Grosser Mercedes.

Size: 11”x81/2” • over 300 bw images • approx.160 pp.ISBN: 978-0-7643-3236-4 • hard cover • $49.99

Available March


New Titles • 9


Mack A. Pattarozzi, CPT (Ret.)

American GladiusA Study of the M-9

Multi-Purpose Bayonet SystemMack A. Pattarozzi

• detailed study of the famed American M-9 bayonet • covers design, manufacture, variants, accessories, etc.

• over 190 color, and black and white photographs

The M9 has been the United States Army’s standard bayonet for over two decades – with no plans in sight to replace it. In fact, it is already the longest serving American bayonet, joining the M-16 as an enduring symbol of the American soldier. Without exaggeration, it has become an icon of the American Army in much the same way as the Gladius became symbolic of the Roman Legions. This book chiefly focuses on the M9, its manufacturers, evolution, variations, accessories, and col-lectability with the objective to spotlight only those M9s of military issue. Beyond that, the intention is to provide fellow collectors with a reference and a tool that will enhance their collecting experience through objective data as well as personal knowledge and experience. There is no other bayonet in all of American military history which possesses such a one of a kind individualism while at the same time displaying so obvious an American personality of design as the M9!

Size: 6”x9” • over 190 color/bw images • approx.224 pp.ISBN: 978-0-7643-3239-5 • hard cover • $49.99

Available April

Crimean MemoriesArtefacts of the Crimean War

Will Hutchison, Michael Vice, & B.J. Small

• photo essay of extremely rare artefacts actually used in the Crimean War • subjects include uniforms, headgear, weapons, and many field used items

• rarely seen items from little known collections and museums

This book is a broad comprehensive photographic essay regarding surviving artefacts of the Crimean War, fought 150 years ago between Russia and the combined power of Britain, France, Sardinia and Turkey. The authors have spent nearly two years locating and photograph-ing artefacts in national museums, regimental museums, and private collections throughout Great Britain and Ireland. Each artefact is presented as a highly detailed colour photograph, shot from various angles with the researcher in mind, coming alive from the page to the reader. Each photographic image is accompanied by detailed and informative text regarding physical properties, history, and specific origin. The photographs are catalogued under descriptive chapters introducing the British soldier’s clothing, accoutrements, necessaries, camp equipment, and weapons, and each is accompanied by detailed and informative text regarding physical properties, history, and spe-cific origin of the item. This definitive work will provide an invaluable resource for serious military researchers and historians.

Size: 113/4”x9” • over 420 color images • approx.272 pp.ISBN: 978-0-7643-3228-9 • hard cover • $89.99

Available April


10 • New Titles


AircrAft Histories of tHe Ling-temco-VougHt

A-7 Corsair IIA-7A, A-7B, A-7C, TA-7C, A-7E, A-7H, TA-7H, EA-7L, A-7P, TA-7P

Michael L. Roberts


Lockheed F-117Night hawksA Stealth Fighter Roll Call

Don Logan

Aircraft Histories of the Ling-Temco-VoughtA-� Corsair II

Michael L. Roberts

• detailed history of over 1500 individual A-7 aircraft • A-7 flown by U.S. Navy, Air Force, and several foreign countries

• over 1200 aircraft images, including A-7 unit insignia

Ling-Temco-Vought A-7 Corsair II won the 1963 competition for a new attack aircraft. The A-7 design was based on the F-8 Crusader but with many differences. Each individual aircraft history starts with the Con-tract Manufacturers Number, followed by the Bureau Number, Navy ac-ceptance date, flight records, and where available, crash notes and date sent to Davis-Monthan AFB for storage. The 1,200 aircraft photographs capture the A-7 at literally every phase of its operation: starting with engineering drawings, productio, all but two of the commands that flew the aircraft, storage, salvage, plus accidents and crashes. The 136 patches represent the aircraft, air wings, commands, and squadrons. Its use by the Hellenic Air Force HAF (Greece), Portuguese Air Force, and Royal Thai Navy Division RTND are also represented.


Available April

Lockheed F-11� Night HawksA Stealth Fighter Roll Call

Don Logan

• individual histories and photographs of each F-117 • also includes program history, production, bases , insignia

• the author’s twelfth book on modern U.S. aviation

This pictorial book is a history of the F-117 Night Hawk Stealth Fighter containing over 400 color photographs. It is a “Roll Call” of the F-117 with individual history and photos of each F-117. In addition the book includes a short program history; operating locations and air force bases, production sites associated with the F-117; F-117 Units, F-117 aircraft, and Information and photos of the A-7 and T-38 aircraft used to support the F-117 program. Though the photos cover the full history of the F-117 program, many of the photos were taken in the last two years at bases including Holloman AFB, Nellis AFB, and Edwards AFB.

Size: 81/2”x11” • over 400 color/bw images • 208 pp.ISBN: 978-0-7643-3242-5 • hard cover • $49.99

Available March


New Titles • 11


RestoringMuseum

Aircraft

Robert C. Mikesh


The Rockets and Missiles of

WhiTe SandSPRovinggRound

1945-1958Gregory P. Kennedy

The Rockets and Missiles of White Sands Proving Ground

19��-19�8Gregory P. Kennedy

• detailed history of the famed New Mexico missile testing site • all major rocket and missile testing at the site discussed

• over 200 images showing rocket/missile details, and launchings

In 1945, the United States Army established a testing center for rockets and guided missiles in south-central New Mexico. Named White Sands Proving Ground, this center was the locale for many of America’s first steps towards space. “Rockets and Missiles of White Sands Proving Ground” chronicles major activities at the base from 1945-1958. Dur-ing this period, the Army, Navy, and Air Force all tested missiles at the desert installation. This book details the development and testing for such missiles as Hermes, Corporal, Nike Ajax, Sergeant, Honest John, and Viking. These missiles formed the backbone of much of America’s arsenal during the Cold War and represented major technological advancements. In 1958, the White Sands Proving Ground became the White Sands Missile Range, as it is known today.


Available March

Restoring Museum AircraftRobert C. Mikesh

• the definitive reference on aircraft restoration • covers a wide variety of vintage propeller and jet aircraft • over 350 full-view, detail, and technical aircraft images

Robert Mikesh takes the reader step by step through the process of aircraft restoration from the initial decision to prepare for an exhibit: Does it fit the museum’s aims? How will it be displayed? Will it fly? And of course: Is it good value? Initial preparation before disassembly are noted and then the principal techniques in working with wood-and-fabric, and metal aircraft are discussed, using many interesting real examples. Types of propulsion, tires, colors and markings are covered systematically and the different requirements for indoor or outdoor exhibition are shown. This book is considered the authoritative refer-ence to the wide and complex subject of aircraft preservation and restoration.


Available February


12 • New Titles

The U. S. Naval Academy: in PostcardsRandall W. Bannister

• see beautiful Bancroft Hall under construction in 1903• historic, advertising, and novelty postcards on display

• naval postcard publishers identified and described

One hundred years ago, the United States Naval Academy, in Annapolis, Maryland, the cradle of Navy and Marine Corps leadership, was in the midst of the most remarkable period of growth and change in its history. Its cam-pus, known simply as The Yard, was expanded and the patchwork of old and dilapidated buildings housing it was replaced with magnificent new build-ings befitting an institution of its caliber. This amazing renaissance fostered a golden age at the school in academics, training, athletics, and the advent of traditions that still exist today. Through images on over 475 postcards produced between 1900 and 1930, also the golden age of picture postcards, this book lets you see what the Academy and life there were like when mid-shipmen with names like Nimitz, Halsey, King, Spruance, Mitscher and Burke were among its residents.

Size: 81/2”x11” • 476 color photos • postcard values/Index • 196 pp.ISBN: 978-0-7643-3108-4 • hard cover • $39.99

Available in December

Webley Solid-Frame Revolvers:Nos. 1, 1 1/2, 2, Bull Dogs, and Pugs

Joel Black, Homer Ficken, & Frank Michaels

• most complete book on Webley solid-frame revolvers• covers many previously unknown models

• with detailed listings, including original retailers

Popular from the late 19th through the early 20th centuries, the British Webley Pug and Bull Dog revolvers, manufactured by P. Webley & Son of Birmingham, provided security for many at home or concealed in coat pockets. Over 800 photos and thorough text bring to light detailed information on these often elusive, solid-frame, short-barreled handguns. Many models were previously unknown, such as the ring trigger .22 No. 2 and the Silver and Fletcher No. 2 Bull Dog. Includes Belgian and other English makers of the Tower Bull Dog, the Scott, Tranter Bulldog, and the Greener No. 5. Cartridges, cartridge boxes, and loading tools are featured with a scale of relative rarity and numerous appendices. This book is a must for all who are passionate about historical firearms.

Size: 9”x12” • 814 color photos • 320 pp.ISBN: 978-0-7643-3152-7 • hard cover • $99.99

Available in December

World War II Ghosts: Artifacts Can TalkRichard J. Kimmel

• unique investigation of paranormal archaeology• details the history and psychic evaluations of each artifact

• instructs how to photograph artifacts, and obtain voiceprintsand electronic voice phenomena from spirits

The ghosts of World War II are talking. Join a study of paranormal archaeology and latent energy that features 52 wartime artifacts, such as an SS Totenkopf Honor Ring, a Japanese gas mask remnant and pistol, and a bloodstained certificate. Pendulum dowsing, psychometry, electronic voiceprints, and psychic intervention help to explain that the artifacts relate amazing and haunting stories. Learn about the prisoners behind the padlock that emits an energy of death and incarceration; and a man who watched as a comrade fell in death only to take his SS ring. Read about a long-lost sole of a tortured soul; and a swastika on a gold chain that was worn as jewelry in a time of hate and prejudice.

Size: 6”x9” • 52 b/w photos • 192 pp.ISBN: 978-0-7643-3159-6 • soft cover • $14.99

Available in March

willing patriots - schiffermilitary.com · of german paratroops in world war ii ... allgemeine and...

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