Henry Sakaida was born in Santa Monica, California in 1951. After a Russian language course, he developed an interest in the culture and war history, later leading to his research in Ukraine and Russia. Elite 90: ‘Heroines of the Soviet Union 1941–45’ is based on this research, as is this companion volume. His other area of interest is Japanese combat aviation history on which he has written several books. Henry lives with his wife and two children in Temple City, near Los Angeles. Christa Hook began her illustrating career in 1986. Her work has featured extensively in the worlds of publishing and television, and she has established herself as one of Osprey's most popular illustrators. Her illustrations combine the historian's attention to detail with the artist's sense of drama and atmosphere, and they are sought after by collectors worldwide. She has had work selected for the Laing Land and Seascape Exhibition 2000 at the Mall, and the Not the Royal Academy Exhibition 2000 at the Llewellyn Alexander Gallery.

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• IntroductionBiographiesAircrewInfantryNavyPartisansTank crewsSnipersTable of ethnic breakdown of recipients