The SU-85 and SU-100 self-propelled guns were based on the proven chassis of the T-34 Medium Tank; and were used primarily in the antitank role. From mid-1943 onward; the SU-85 gave the Soviet forces a useful tank destroyer with a significant firepower advantage over the T-34's 76.2mm gun. With the introduction of the T-34/85 in early 1944; the SU-85 design was upgraded with a 100mm gun to retain its firepower advantage; though a shortage of 100mm guns led to a number of improved hulls being armed with 85mm guns as the SU-85M. This book provides a pictorial history of the development and combat deployment of the SU-85; SU-85M and SU-100; illustrated with around 100 photographs.
#4677794 in Books James A Oleson 2007-11-13Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .97 x 6.00l; 1.26 #File Name: 0595471161388 pagesIn Their Own Words True Stories and Adventures of the American Fighter Ace
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Vignettes from U. S. Aces!By Mike O'ConnorFighter aces will always be one of the most appealing elements of aviation history. James Oleson's IN THEIR OWN WORDS; published in 2007; provides the reader with vignettes and reminiscences from over 100 American aces along with tons of tables breaking down their achievements. Fighter pilot fans will want to check out Oleson's book.The book's subtitle - TRUE STORIES AND ADVENTURES OF THE AMERICAN FIGHTER ACE - is a bit misleading. IN THEIR OWN WORDS runs to 361 pages. Parts One and Two; the material from the aces themselves; make up slightly less than 1/2 of that. Those reminiscences range from a single sentence to several paragraphs.The bulk of the book is made up of Appendices that 'slice and dice' the Aces' exploits in a variety of tables: Fighter Aces Who Were KIA/MIA; Aces Killed in Non-Combat Flying Accidents; POW Aces; Top-Scoring Aces of WWII and Korea; Pilots That Made Ace in More Than One Aircraft; Aces' Nicknames; Aces' Aircraft Names; Highest Scoring Ace in Type (i.e. P-38; P-40; F6F; etc.); MOH Aces; "Should Be" Aces; etc.The text is illustrated with 14 pages of photographs of aces/aircraft and seven drawings of F-86s; P-47s; etc. by Scott Oleson.I have mixed feelings about IN THEIR OWN WORDS. Having self-published myself; I applaud anyone who runs with a project and sees it published. So; thumbs up; Mr. Oleson! My problem with the book is that I would have preferred more material from the aces rather all those appendices...but then the snippets may be all the reminiscences the Aces were willing to provide.In any case; if you're interested in America's Aces; you should pick up a copy of IN THEIR OWN WORDS. It supplies a variety of reminiscences; comments and related data from some of America's finest fliers. Recommended.
