by Steven J. Zaloga 

The US Army fielded no fewer than five different types of light tanks during WWII. Of these, the most important types were the M3 and M5 light tanks. At first, they were employed in normal tank roles, both for infantry support and tank fighting. They were not effective in either role, so by the middle of the war, they were assigned to secondary missions with the primary tank roles taken over by the M4 Sherman. Light tanks were more successful in the Pacific theater, though their importance considerably diminished by 1944. The first use of the M3 in combat would not involve the US Army, but the British Army in North Africa, whereas the combat debut of the M3 with the US Army took place in the Philippines. 

Noted armor historian Steve Zaloga gone to extensive research at the Patton Museum and the US Army Military History Institute and dug out many never before published photos for this book. The book started with the both the US and British light tanks fighting in North Africa, continued with the early Pacific War, followed by the Italian campaign, the late Pacific War, and finally the European campaign. The M3 and M5 with all their variants are covered, as well as the M24 Chaffee. Photos also include Polish, Soviet, Chinese, French, and Czech light tanks.