This latest release in the Duel series by Osprey examines the conflict between the American M4A3 and Japan’s best tank of WWII, the Type 97-kai Shinhoto Chi-ha. As is typical for this series, this book provides detailed descriptions of the tanks and the men who operated and fought in them.

Not a lot has been written on tank battles in the Pacific theater. The region’s diverse terrain required a change in tactics, to where tanks were used as infantry support weapons as opposed to the maneuver warfare that usually led to major tank-vs.-tank battles. This book starts with the early encounters between the Japanese and the US in the Philippines in 1941, where US M3 Stuarts fought Japanese Type 95 light tanks. By 1944, both sides were deploying large numbers of tanks in combat. The Japanese committed an entire tank division to Luzon while the US Army had nearly a third of its armored battalions committed to the Pacific.

One of the main reasons for the change in Japanese tank warfare tactics was the inadequacy of the Type 97 tank when pitted against the M4A3 Sherman. The 47mm gun on the Type 97 could only penetrate the Sherman’s frontal armor at close range, or the weaker side armor if presented with that opportunity. As a result, the Japanese were reluctant to deploy them in tank-vs.-tank situations, preferring to use them as dug-in pillboxes. The M4A3, on the other hand, had a far superior fire power advantage, able to penetrate the Type 97’s armor at normal combat ranges. Often, the Japanese tankers would hide in a concealed position until the M4A3 passed close, then would open up and aim at the weaker side armor or tracks, disabling the American tank.

This book follows the typical Duel format, including a pertinent chronology, design and development, technical specifications, combatants, etc. Included are several illustrations that provide profiles of the Type 97 and M4A3, as well as interior turret layout, ammunition, and crew. It includes battle maps and many period photographs, making for an interesting read. Fans of US tanks and especially those interested in the Pacific Campaign will find this book enjoyable and informative. As is typical from this author, he has given us an interesting and well researched volume that starts to fill the void of information about tank warfare in the Pacific campaign. It addresses all the aspects of tank warfare in the Pacific that set it apart from the European campaign. I really enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it.

Many thanks to Osprey Publishing for providing this book and to IPMS/USA for allowing me to read and review it.