Berliner Zinnfiguren/Books & Media/Books/1914-1932 (WW I)/America products

Wasserman, Richard A.: The War to End All Wars 32,95 €

Sat, 23 May 2026 07:40:09 +0200

During World War I, New Jersey played a significant role in arms production, provided the necessary infrastructure for training and mobilizing troops, and supplied a portion of the soldiers needed for overseas deployment. Without the support of New Jersey's industry, the United States' war effort might have failed. New Jersey's contributions ranged from artillery shells (Amatol) and fuses (Bloomfield) to grenades (Lyndhurst), gun carriages (Singer), aircraft engines (Duesenberg), Handley Page bombers (Elizabeth), and shipbuilding (New York Shipbuilding and ELCO). Over 140,000 New Jersey residents served in the war, and the state hosted 38 military bases at the end of the war, including Camp Dix. The troops from New Jersey included National Guard units that were activated and assigned to the 29th Division, training at Camp McClellan, Alabama, and National Army conscripts assigned to the 78th Division, also training at Camp Dix. Units of the 29th and 78th Infantry Divisions stationed in New Jersey fought in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Women in New Jersey were also trained to serve in the Army Signal Corps. At the same time, women from the state volunteered with relief organizations such as the Red Cross and raised funds for the war effort. In the postwar years, over 160 monuments were erected throughout New Jersey to commemorate the war dead and honor World War I veterans, including several of E. M. Viquesney's famous "Spirit of the American Doughboy" statues. Mothers and widows from New Jersey made pilgrimages in the 1930s as part of the "Gold Star Mothers and Widows" pilgrimage to battlefields and cemeteries in France, such as the American Cemetery Maas-Argonne, and to Brookwood Cemetery in Great Britain to visit the graves of their loved ones. This book will reveal, for the first time, the full extent of New Jersey's crucial role in America's war effort during World War I and will shed light on prominent figures and their connections to New Jersey, such as Dr. Fred Albee, the father of bone transplantation; Cecil Dorrian, the first American female war correspondent in World War I; Amabel Roberts, the first American nurse from New Jersey to die in France during the war; and Lillian Marx, who danced and sang at wartime fundraisers in Newark.

Goubet, Aurélien: Pershing's Boys 62,95 €

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 06:55:08 +0200

With over 400 authentic objects and numerous historical photographs, the book brings to life the history of the American soldiers who came to France in 1917 to fight. This book transports the reader into the everyday lives of these men, from their uniforms and combat equipment to the personal items they took with them to the front. It is richly documented thanks to the archives of the American Army and also presents rare, sometimes unique items from more than twenty years of research and collecting. Special attention is given to the particularities of the Medical Department, the Marine Corps and the distinctive uniforms of the officers, revealing the diversity and richness of the American Army of 1917-1918. A passionate tribute to these men of the US Army and Marine Corps, whose presence left an indelible mark on the First World War. Contents: The US Army uniform; Personal combat equipment; Medical Department equipment; Officers' uniforms and equipment; The US Marine Corps USMC; Personal items.

Otte, Maarten: 1918 - The Americans under French Command 21,95 €

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:35:16 +0200

General Pershing's goal had always been to fight the Germans with an independent American army (the AEF, American Expeditionary Forces) rather than dividing his divisions among the Allies. When the Germans launched the first attack of their spring offensive on 21 March 1918, he was still far from creating this independent army. In the first three months of 1918, only a few divisions could be considered ready for immediate action. On 26 March 1918, Foch was appointed commander-in-chief of the Allies. Two days later, General Pershing temporarily placed all American forces under the command of Supremo Foch in order to solve the Allies' immediate manpower problems and halt the German attack. It was agreed that American troops would only be available for as long as necessary to halt the German advance. This book deals with three lesser-known battles fought by five divisions of the AEF in the Champagne/Marne region between the city of Reims and the Argonne Forest. The narrative covers the actions of the 2nd, 36th, 42nd, 92nd and 93rd Divisions. The latter two consisted of African-American troops. The five tours are ideal for visitors who have a few hours to spare when travelling from one of the Paris airports to the battlefields of St. Mihiel, Meuse-Argonne and Verdun. They cover a lesser-known area and each tour takes no more than a few hours. The starting points are all located slightly north of the A4, the Paris-Metz motorway. The tours also bridge the gap between the more famous battlefields of Chemin des Dames and Meuse-Argonne.

Pierce, Harold W./Welch, William J.: The World War One Diary and Art of Doughboy Cpl. Harold W Pierce. Duty, Terror and Survival 31,95 €

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:34:00 +0200

April 1917. Eighteen-year-old Harold W. Pierce leaves school to join the U.S. Army, specifically the National Guard infantry company from heavily forested Warren County in northwestern Pennsylvania. Hes big for his age and hes determined to serve his country. Thirteen months later, having trained at the steaming hot tent city of Camp Hancock in Georgia, Pierce and the rest of the 28th Divisions 112th Infantry Regiment is on its way to England and then to France. Hes one of the First Battalions scouts so hell see the war from a different perspective than the rest of the infantrymen, which includes his older brother Hugh.
What Pierce sees, hears and feels will fill the small diary he keeps in his pocket. His descriptions become a diary of 79,000 words. His descriptions, his insights, his fears and his hopes bring the war to life as a young man experiences it. This young man, though, has a keen ability to express and describe that goes beyond his years: The abject terror of being in the middle of a sustained artillery barrage, his fear as he desperately tries to dig in as machine gun bullets fly inches over his head, and the relief he feels when an artillery round splits the air where he would have been if he had not - inexplicably - stopped walking.
Pierce has moments when he does not want to answer the runners call of his name, when all he wants to do is sleep in a safe shelter. But he does answer and he goes on the patrol that all are convinced will be a one-way mission.
Pierce survives it all, becoming a state police trooper in Pennsylvania after the war and later the chief law enforcement instructor for that states Public Service Institute until his retirement in 1966. In 1979, the diary was printed in serialized form in a small Pennsylvania newspaper. Throughout his life Pierce took to canvas to depict a variety of scenes from the World War. Included in this book are six of those paintings. Pierce died in 1983.

Durkota, Alan/Darcey, Thoma: Medal of Honor. Volume 2: Inter War Years 1919-1939 26,95 €

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 08:08:03 +0200

The "Medal of Honor" series tells the story of every American aviator who earned Americas highest award for valor, the Congressional Medal of Honor. Every aircraft in which the Medal of Honor was earned is shown in multiple color views. This second volume of the series deals with the pilots of the interwar years 1919-1939.

Otte, Maarten: The Meuse-Argonne 1918. The Right Bank to the Armistice 20,95 €

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:34:00 +0200

The Americans had considerable initial success when they launched their huge offensive against the Germans in the Meuse-Argonne in the last days of September 1918. However, not everything went smoothly and the attack became bogged down, held up by the several lines of the Hindenburg System and logistical challenges. A major additional obstacle was the presence of batteries of German artillery on the high ground on the right bank of the Meuse, almost untroubled by any significant assaults by the allied forces. These guns created severe problems for the American commanders and their troops.
Eventually sufficient resources were allocated for an American-French attack on the right bank, with the aim of removing the German artillery and pushing the Germans off the Meuse Heights, part of the renewed offensive on the Left Bank and the Argonne Forest.
The action often took place over ground that had already seen ferocious fighting during the Battle of Verdun in 1916 and the French offensive of late summer 1917. It also involved the very difficult achievement of getting large bodies of troops over the River Meuse and its associated canal.
The terrain is rugged and, even then, quite heavily wooded. The American and French troops often had to fight uphill and in the face of German defences that had been developed over the previous twelve months. On the other hand, the quality of the defending troops was not high, as Germany faced so much pressure in other sectors, and included a significant number of Austro-Hungarian troops. Popular opinion tends to be dismissive of the fighting quality of these Austrian troops who, in fact, performed well.
The tours take the visitor over some beautiful countryside, with stunning views over the Meuse and the Woevre Plain. There are significant vestiges of the war still to be seen, including numerous observation bunkers and shelters as well as trenches. An unusual feature of the area are the traces of part of the Maginot Line, notably bunkers (some of which are very large) and the rail infrastructure to support it, sometimes making use of lines that the Germans built during the First World War.
One of these tours follows the fate of Henry Gunther, officially the last American soldier to be killed in action in the Great War. There is substantial myth about Gunther; the facts surrounding his death are examined, as well as placing his last action on the ground. There is a tour dedicated just to him.

One of these tours follows the fate of Henry Gunther, officially the last American soldier to die in the First World War. There are considerable myths about Gunther; the facts surrounding his death are examined. A tour is dedicated to him.

Zabecki, David T./Mastriano, Douglas V.: Pershing's Lieutenants. American Military Leadership in World War I 29,95 €

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:15:08 +0200

World War I had a profound impact on the United States of America, which was forced to "grow" an army almost overnight. The day the United States declared war on Germany, the US Army was only the 17th largest in the world, ranking behind Portugal - the Regular Army had only 12800 troops, backed up by the National Guard with some 182000 troops. By the end of the war it had grown to 3700000, with slightly more than half that number in Europe. Until the United States did so, no country in all history had tried to deploy a 2-million-man force 3000 miles from its own borders, a force led by American Expeditionary Forces Commander-in-Chief General John J. Pershing. This was America's first truly modern war and rising from its ranks was a new generation of leaders who would control the fate of the United States armed forces during the interwar period and into World War II. This book reveals the history of the key leaders working for and with John J. Pershing during this tumultuous period, including George S. Patton (tank commander and future commander of the US Third Army during World War II); Douglas MacArthur (42nd Division commander and future General of the Army) and Harry S. Truman (artillery battery commander and future President of the United States). Edited by Major General David T. Zabecki (US Army, Retired) and Colonel Douglas V. Mastriano (US Army, Retired), this fascinating title comprises chapters on individual leaders from subject experts across the US, including faculty members of the US Army War College.

Owers, Colin A.: Curtiss Jenny. Volume 2 16,95 €

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:15:28 +0200

Long overdue for the "Daztafile" treatment is the famous American trainer and barnstormer, the Curtiss Jenny. In the second of two volumes, Colin Owers traces the history of this iconic biplane in detail. Profusely illustrated with over 100 archive photos, there are five pages of 1:48 and 1:72 scale plans, plus contemporary rigging diagrams and notes, extensive appendices, colour close-ups and two pages of superb new profiles by Ronny Bar.

Herder, Brian Lane/Shumate, Johnny (Illustr.): The Meuse-Argonne Offensive 1918. The American Expeditionary Force's Crowning Victory 18,95 €

Sat, 23 May 2026 07:25:08 +0200

When the United States declared war on Germany in April 1917, the tiny US Army did not even have a standing division. A huge national army worthy of the Western Front was quickly enlisted, trained, and then transported to France to fight against the Germans. In September 1918, the American Expeditionary Force, under General John Pershing, began its first full-scale offensive against German forces in Lorraine, in which the US First Army and (eventually) the US Second Army would drive north between the Argonne Forest and the Meuse river towards Sedan. The Meuse-Argonne was excellent defensive terrain, being hilly, steep, heavily wooded, and fortified by the Germans over a three-year period. The offensive began on 26 September, 1918. A largely inexperienced US First Army, with mid-level officers including Harry S. Truman, Douglas MacArthur and George Patton, suffered setbacks and heavy casualties during its straight-ahead offensive against a still-potent but fading German Fifth Army. However, by early November, 1.2 million Americans and several hundred thousand French were engaged at the Meuse-Argonne and the Hindenburg Line had been decisively broken. The German withdrawal from Sedan approached a rout and the Americans finally had the Germans on the run until the Armistice ended the offensive on 11 November, 1918. This engaging title tells the full story of this key offensive, illustrating and explaining the troops, weapons and tactics of both the American Expeditionary Force and the German Fifth Army in stunning detail.

The offensive began on 26 September 1918, with a largely inexperienced American 1st Army suffering heavy losses during its direct action against a still strong but increasingly weakening German 5th Army. By early November, however, 1.2 million Americans and several hundred thousand Frenchmen were engaged on the Meuse-Argonne front, and the Hindenburg Line had been broken. The German retreat from Sedan increasingly turned into a rout, which only ended with the armistice on 11 November 1918. This exciting title tells the full story of this key offensive, illustrating and explaining the troops, weapons and tactics of both the American Expeditionary Force and the German 5th Army in astonishing detail.

Otte, Maarten: The American Expeditionary Forces in the Great War. The St. Mihiel Offensive. 12 to 16 September 1918 14,95 €

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 09:20:08 +0200

The St. Mihiel Offensive, which took place between the 12th and 16th September 1918, was the first full scale attack that was under the direct command of the Americans, in the person of General J. Pershing. He combined his command of the First (at the time the only) American Army with that of Commander in Chief of the AEF, a tremendous burden. The St. Mihiel Salient had its origins in the early fighting of the war and had been stabilized by the end of 1914, although there was fierce fighting there in the first half of 1915 as both sides jostled for position; the high ground of Les Eparges became notorious for the intensity of the mine warfare that took place below it, extensive remains of which can be seen today. The American attack (with the assistance of a French Corps) was an outstanding success and the Germans were forced into a rapid withdrawal to the Michel Line, a strongly defended position that formed the Hindenburg Line in this area. On the other hand, the success was in part assisted by the fact that the Germans intended to withdraw from the exposed position of the Salient back to this line, the only question being the timing of such a move. Historians argue about whether the move had actually begun or not; but the reality is that senior German officers knew that it was imminent and certainly some heavier artillery had already been pulled back. Pershing's original hope had been to continue the offensive to seize Metz, crucial rail links and economically vital areas to the German war effort. In fact any such attempt would have taken weeks of preparation, as even a casual examination of the Michel Line defenses still existing today would show. It is probable that relatively easy success here led to overconfidence amongst some that the next offensive, the Meuse-Argonne - to the north and scheduled to begin on the 26th, would have a similar outcome. If so they were in for a rude awakening. This book is profusely illustrated with contemporary photographs and numerous maps, the narrative supplemented by a number of first hand accounts; the whole is supported by several walking and car tours. This is the latest in a series of Battleground books by Maarten Otte on the American Expeditionary Forces, with several more in preparation.

The former front line of St Mihiel is known for its many visible remains from the First World War, including no fewer than 150 bunkers that were part of the Michel Line. A volume from the series "Battleground. The Americans 1918".

Gaff, Alan D./Gaff, Donal H.: Amid the Ruins. Damon Runyon. World War I Reports from the American Trenches and Occupied Europe, October 1918 - March 1919, with a Selection of His Wartime Poetry 23,95 €

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 08:50:09 +0200

Despite Damon Runyon's iconic status as a fiction writer and reporter, one particular chapter of his extraordinary career has been completely overlooked. During World War I he was an accredited war correspondent--writing a series of dispatches from Europe, he followed the American Doughboys through France, into Germany, and back home. This period marked a monumental transition not only in America's view of itself and its role in the world, but of Runyon's own style and how we could come to portray America. Along with his collected dispatches, this volume also includes his wartime poetry. Biographical and literary introductions and exhaustive notes provide additional information about the people, places, and events that made up his writing. A vital bridge from his earlier regional writing to his later Broadway works, these stories of civilians thrust into military uniforms provide a rare behind-the-scenes look at World War I and the formation of Runyonesque style itself.

This period marked a monumental transition not only in America's view of itself and its role in the world, but also in Runyon's own style and how we might portray America. In addition to his collected correspondence, this volume includes his war poetry. Biographical and literary introductions and extensive notes provide additional information about the people, places, and events that made up his writing. These stories of civilians in military uniforms form an important bridge between his earlier regional writings and his later Broadway work, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at World War I and the emergence of the Runyonesque style.

Owers, Colin A.: Thomas Morse S-4 Scout. 18,95 €

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:00:32 +0200

Next to the "Curtiss Jenny", Thomas Morse Scouts remain the best known American aeroplanes of WWI. Virtually "mass produced" as a fighter/trainer, the compact, tractable "Tommy" was later destined for post-war Hollywood stardom with a raft of roles in classics such as "Hell's Angels" and "The Dawn Patrol". Colin Owers presents a richly-informative study with over 70 archive photos supported by contemporary sketches and rigging notes from the 1918 S-4C handbook. Martin Digmayer provides detailed scale drawings in 1:48 and 1:72 complete with structural internals, whilst Ronny Bar contributes six diverse colour profiles. Among those is a rare "Agressor"-style "Tommy" complete with pseudo-German colours and markings for air-to-air combat training. In addition there are 29 colour photos illustrating virtually all the surviving originals in the USA plus Nick Clarke's sole European-based Tommy. Full appendices include colours and markings data, complete specifications and a current log of all Tommys today!

In addition to the contemporary photos, there are 29 colour photos of practically all the S-4Cs still in existence in the USA as well as the only example on British soil.

McGeorge, Stephen C.: Images from "Over There". Personal Photography of America's Expedionary Forces in WWI and Occupation 26,95 €

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:00:32 +0200

This is a detailed study of some 150 unpublished and never before seen images of soldiers of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) and the Army of Occupation taken in France and Germany during and after World War I. As opposed to the stateside training camp photos and formal portraits taken on return to the USA, this is an in-depth look at what the AEF looked like as they were actively engaged in the business of making the world safe for democracy. These images cover every rank and grade of soldier in the AEF from General Pershing to fresh-faced privates, and every occupational specialty from infantryman to cook. Details of uniforms and equipment, locations, times, and places have been painstakingly researched for each image.

Guillou, Luc: American Submachine Guns 1919-1950. Thompson SMG, M3 "Grease Gun", Reising, UD M42, and Accessories 26,95 €

Sat, 23 May 2026 07:10:15 +0200

America's famous and influential WWII submachine guns (SMGs) are all featured in this fully illustrated book. Beginning with the legendary Thompson submachine, its design, construction, and testing in the early 1920s, as well as its use by the US Marine Corps, the Irish Republican Army, and prohibition era gangsters is presented in detail. Its famed use during WWII in all war theaters is shown in superb period photography and clear, up-close color images. Also featured are chapters on other US WWII era submachine guns: the M3 "Grease Gun," Reising SMG, and the United Defense M42 (UD M42). Accessories such as magazines, ammunition, webbing, and cleaning kits are featured throughout the book, as well as rarely seen WWII-related uniform and equipment items.

The use of the "Thompson" during the Second World War in all theatres of war is shown through excellent contemporary b/w photos and detailed close-ups in colour. There are also chapters on other submachine guns from the Second World War era: the M3 "Grease Gun", Reising SMG and the United Defence M42 (UD M42). Accessories such as magazines, ammunition, belts and cleaning kits can be found throughout the book, as well as rare World War 2 related uniform and equipment items.

Cansière, Romain/Gilbert, Ed/Turner, Graham (Illustr.): Blanc Mont Ridge 1918. America's forgotten Victory 19,95 €

Sat, 23 May 2026 07:10:15 +0200

The dominating Blanc Mont Ridge complex in the Champagne region of France was home to some of the most complex German defenses on the Western Front. Its heights offered artillery observation that made even approaching the ridge virtually suicidal. Pessimistic about the ability of depleted and demoralized French units to capture the position, Général Henri Gouraud was granted the use of two American divisions: the veteran 2nd "Indianhead" Division, including the 4th (Marine) Brigade, and the untested 36th "Arrowhead" Division of the Texas and Oklahoma National Guard. This fully illustrated book describes this Allied offensive with American troops in the vanguard, and shows how despite the heavy losses it sustained to both manpower and supporting armor, they eventually forced the Germans to abandon most of the region in one of the largest withdrawals of the war.

Jowett, Philip/Walsh, Stephen (Illustr.): Latin American Wars 1900-1941 14,95 €

Sat, 23 May 2026 07:10:15 +0200

From the Mexican Revolution to the Zarumilla War, in the first 40 years of the 20th century the nations of Central and South America were frequently disturbed by border clashes, civil wars, and revolution. Many of these conflicts became known as "Banana Wars." Some involved only lightly armed guerrillas, but others saw armies operating artillery and armored vehicles supported by aircraft and river navies. The conflicts in Honduras and Nicaragua saw the intervention of US Marines, and later wars involved armor and aircraft acquired from Europe. Using detailed color plates and a wealth of contemporary photographs, this book shows the uniforms, equipment, and strategies of the armies involved in these conflicts little known in the West. Covering wars crossing the length and breadth of the continent, this is the fascinating account of the wars that helped shape modern Latin America.

Using colour uniform plates and numerous contemporary photographs, the book shows the uniforms, weapons, equipment and strategies of the Central and South American states involved in these conflicts, which are little known in the West. These conflicts are an important key to understanding modern Latin America.

Lardas, Mark: US Flush-Deck Destroyers 1916-45. Caldwell-class, Wickes-class and Clemson-class 14,95 €

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:34:00 +0200

Four pipes and flush decks--these ships were a distinctively American destroyer design. Devised immediately prior to and during the United States' involvement in World War I they dominated the US Navy's destroyer forces all the way through to World War II. They were deployed on North Atlantic and Norwegian Sea convoys, and virtually everywhere in the Pacific, from Alaska to Australia. Fifty were given to Great Britain in its hour of need in 1940, and many would serve in other navies, fighting under the Soviet, Canadian, Norwegian, and even the Imperial Japanese flags. They also served in a variety of roles becoming seaplane tenders, high-speed transports, minesweepers, and minelayers. One was even used as a self-propelled mine during Operation Chariot, destroying the dry dock at St. Nazaire. Fully illustrated throughout with commissioned artwork and contemporary photographs, this volume reveals the operational history of these US Navy ships that fought with distinction in both World Wars

Adams, Gregg/Noon, Steve (Illustr.): US Marine versus German Soldier. Belleau Wood 1918 14,95 €

Sat, 23 May 2026 07:10:15 +0200

After the US declaration of war on Germany, hundreds of thousands of American troops flooded into France and were thrust into the front line. Among them was the U.S. Marine Corps' 4th Marine Brigade whose first major action was the battle of Belleau Wood in June 1918, fighting elements of Germany's 10th, 28th, and 237th Infantry divisions. Volunteers to a man, the newly arrived Marines faced experienced but war-weary German conscripts whose doctrine had been honed by nearly four years of conflict on the Western Front. During the fighting, the Germans are alleged to have given the nickname "Devil Dogs" to the Marines, and Belleau Wood has become enshrined in the Corps' heritage. Employing first-hand accounts and specially commissioned artwork, this book investigates three different actions that shaped the course of the bitter battle for Belleau Wood, revealing the interplay of doctrine, tactics, technology, leadership, and human endeavor on the brutal battlefields of World War I.

McCluskey, A./Dennis, P. (Illustr.): The Hindenburg Line 1918. Haig's forgotten triumph 16,95 €

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 06:35:13 +0200

From September 26 until October 6, 1918, the Allied armies in France, led by British army commander Sir Douglas Haig, launched their biggest ever combined offensive on the Western Front of World War I. Two million troops of the British, French, American, and Belgian Armies launched four attacks in rapid succession across a 250km front between the Argonne and Flanders. This huge assault drove the German Army from its last fully prepared defensive position west of the German border and ensured that the War ended in 1918. The impact of this defeat had a shattering effect on the Germans. Their army admitted for the first time that an armistice was required to save it from annihilation, peace feelers were sent out to the Americans and the Kaiser began the process of democratizing Germany. Although these decisive results were to a large extent consequences of the battle of the Hindenburg Line, the subsequent controversies over the conduct of the war meant that it went unheralded and has remained Haig's forgotten triumph.

Zaloga, S. J./Rodriguez, F. (Illustr.): Early US Armor. Volume 1: Tanks 1916-40 12,95 €

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:34:00 +0200

Between the two world wars, the United States contributed significantly to the evolution of the tank, a weapon invented by the British and the French seeking to break through the lines of German trenches. From the employment of the French Renault FT and British Mark V during their involvement in World War I, the United States branched out with its own indigenous designs, including the M1 Cavalry Car and the M2 Light and Medium tanks, the precursors to the Stuart and Grant tanks of World War II. Tank designers in this period faced unique challenges, and the story of early American armor is littered with failures among the successes. Featuring previously unpublished photos and fully illustrated throughout, "Early American Armor. Tanks 1916-40" is essential reading for anyone interested in American armor, or in the development of tank design.