Japanese Special Naval Landing Forces

“This book is not only for those with lots of standard Imperial Japanese Army and Navy figures who want to paint something different. The information and photos included make this book a great one to have if you are interested in Pacific Island fighting and the Japanese forces. I used the writing on a flag from one of the photos as the basis for a converted IJA figure of my own!” –Michael Koznarsky, Gamers Closet

“Nila’s text is a comprehensive treatment of the history of the SNLF and descriptions of their uniforms, equipment, insignia and weapons. Included are breathtaking, never before published wartime photos. The centerpiece of the book is Rolfe’s extensive collection of original SNLF equipment. Photographed on real human models these stunning photos represent front and back of officers and enlisted men in each of the SNLF uniforms. Rolfe’s collection includes rarities like their bullet proof vests, helmets and all equipment carried by the troops. For anyone interested in the SNLF, this book is one of the only references available in English.” –

Gary Nila is a former Los Angeles Police Officer and FBI Special Agent who now works as an investigator with Northrop Grumman Corp. Air Combat Systems. He has been a collector of World War II Japanese military uniforms and equipment for over 30 years, but specializes in researching and collecting Japanese naval flight equipment and dress. He has interviewed many former IJN pilots including Saburo Sakai, Sudamu Komaichi, and Masajiro Kawato. Gary lives in Lakewood, California.

Robert A Rolfe retired after 37 years with the US Postal Service and has collected World War II Japanese militaria for more than 45 years, specializing for the past 25 years in the Special Naval Landing Forces. Robert lives in Burbank, CA.

Tony Chong took the color photographs for the plates in this book. He joined the Northrop Corporation in 1984 as a model-maker and now runs the Display Model Shop for Northrop Grumman’s Integrated Systems/Western Region in El Segundo, CA. He completed his BA in history at CSULA in 1995 with a focus on aviation and military-related subjects. He is a published aviation photographer and this is his third collaboration with Gary Nila, including Elite 86. Tony lives in Burbank, CA.