I purchased this book on recommendation from the author of another work on the Vietnam War era. The book lived up to its expectations, and was well worth the purchase. Mr Goldsmith gives a true account of the lesser-known war in Vietnam--the war fought on the rivers by the Brown Water Navy or PBR's. The PBR's were nothing more than fiberglass sporting boats modified and so armed to take on the enemy. They were commanded by men such as Mr. Goldsmith, who has nothing but high praise for the men who served under him during his tour. The book is his true account of life on the Delta and the trials and tribulations he encountered that were noteworthy to mention. Life on the PBR's was at times harrowing and almost always dangerous and there is are a great many pages devoted to some battles where (then)Lt.(jg)Goldsmith gets in the thick of it or members of his unit take on enemy fire. It is a book of heroics, not cowboy acts of outright foolishness (although he is blatant enough to mention some particular actions that would be pretty darn close!). If you want a good book about the river war in Vietnam, this should be your first! I could not stop reading it. Enjoy.....
27 June 2009
PANZER TACTICS IS ONE-OF-A-KIND AND WORTH IT!
I needed a comprehensive book on World War Two German tank crews for a book project of my own, and this book was just what I needed! There are many publications on the market that deal with battles, weaponry, even tank commanders, but this book shed new insight into the tactics themselves. Not just large scale, but the most minute details are covered in detail. The book covers logistics, offensive and defensive operations, and my favorite section: life in a tank. The author has compiled new text, statistics, and photos (many I have not seen published anywhere else) and this was a positive factor to purchase the book. The price was right, too! Although the publication is as large as a small city white pages (!), it is still an invaluable reference tool for those seeking more information on the German Panzer Forces of WWII. Recommended!
Svezda gets praise for making a much needed 1/100 gaming piece in the Katyusha BM-13. But I found it to be a tricky kit to build with some thinly cast parts that might not be considered a "snap-kit". The hood was a separate opened part (why?) and needs to be "folded" down into place in the frame peg holes. If you are not careful, you can snap it in half. The rocket rack is also a thin plastic assembly and you have to make sure you don't snap the rails in place. I build lots of kits and unless you have some experience and dexterity with small parts, you may find this one tricky.
Still, I guess there is no other way to turn a Katyusha into a snap kit. Once you get it together it look good and if you buy a few like I did you can make up a nice battery by adding some figures from other companies in scale. Then the enemies of Stalin will cower once his mighty "organ" plays!!