BRIAN BELL has been a collector of World War II German helmets for more than 30 years, since acquiring a naval M1935 helmet at the age of nine. An avid student of military history, he has travelled extensively in Germany to attend Wehrmacht veterans' reunions, and has interviewed many about their wartime experiences. Brian has a graduate degree from the University of Nebraska and is a professional career adviser to MBA students; he is married, and lives in Charlotteville, Virginia.

Kevin Lyles is a talented illustrator of 20th century military subjects. He has illustrated several books for Osprey over the years, and has also written titles on the US Army in Vietnam, a subject in which he has a long-standing interest. He lives and works in Hertfordshire, UK.