With the Old Breed by E. B. Sledge: Book Overview
Have you ever wondered what it was really like to fight in World War II? What experiences shaped the soldiers who served in the Pacific theater?
E. B. Sledge's With the Old Breed book offers a raw and unflinching account of his time as a Marine in the Pacific. You'll get an inside look at the brutal battles of Peleliu and Okinawa, as well as the camaraderie and psychological toll of war.
Read on to discover the gripping story of one man's journey through some of the most intense combat of World War II.
Overview of With the Old Breed
In With the Old Breed book, E. B. Sledge provides a gripping firsthand account of his experiences as a Marine in the Pacific theater of World War II. With unsparing detail, he recounts the grueling training regimen, the unrelenting brutality of combat at Peleliu and Okinawa, and the profound bonds formed amidst the violence and death. Sledge's stark portrayal reveals the heavy psychological toll of war on soldiers, and the indelible mark those pivotal battles left on their lives.
Sledge's memoir offers rare insight into what it was truly like for the infantry—beyond strategies and casualty numbers—to fight with unfaltering courage against a formidable enemy. His personal recollections vividly capture the endurance and suffering of the Marines who sacrificed everything to secure victory.
Joining the Marine Corps
E.B. Sledge's decision to join the Marine Corps was a pivotal moment in his life. Despite his family's preference for him to pursue officer training, Sledge chose to enlist on December 3, 1942. He was driven by a sense of urgency, worried that the war might end before he could participate in battle. This desire to be actively involved in the conflict led Sledge and his companions to deliberately fail their courses, bypassing lengthy officer training programs that could last up to two years.
Upon arrival at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, Sledge and his fellow recruits faced a drastic change in environment. The training program was designed to be strenuous, promoting a sharp sense of urgency through continuous activity. Corporal Doherty, their drill instructor, maintained strict discipline with an unwavering and intimidating presence. His scrupulous nature and flawless presentation made him a figure who commanded both respect and fear.
Sledge's training included intense workouts on shifting, soft sands near the water's edge, emphasizing endurance and composure. Errors, such as incorrectly identifying a firearm, were met with strict correction. This rigorous approach ensured that trainees learned proper weapon handling and compliance with military standards. At Camp Elliott, Sledge experienced more freedom but also underwent rigorous preparation with various weapons. He chose to specialize in the 60mm mortar, recognizing its effectiveness in battle based on his sergeant's combat experiences.
Mastering the Mortar
During his instruction period, Sledge meticulously learned numerous components of the mortar and persistently honed his shooting skills. He and his fellow soldiers were taught to take compass readings, line up targets, and understand the destructive capabilities of their weapons. Live ammunition drills involved targeting empty oil drums with mortar rounds, demonstrating the lethal effectiveness of their training.
Sledge's dedication resulted in his proficiency with the mortar, allowing him to cause significant damage to enemy forces. His meticulous preparation was a testament to his unwavering commitment to his duties within the Marine Corps. This level of expertise would prove crucial in the battles to come, where Sledge's unit would rely heavily on their mortar skills to support infantry advances and defend against enemy attacks.
First Assault on Peleliu
Sledge's harrowing experience began with the initial assault on Peleliu. As the amtracs approached the shore, shrouded in fire and smoke, Sledge witnessed a ferocious assault amidst an overwhelming onslaught of noise. His unit, K/3/5, was compromised due to poor visibility and erroneous orders, inadvertently becoming the unguarded flank of the beachhead.
The progression into the interior faced obstacles due to continuous bombardment from mortars. The sweltering heat and excessive perspiration, compounded by the weight of their heavy packs, turned each stride into a strenuous effort. Sledge and his comrades faced unpredictable water sources and the constant danger of hostile gunfire, which influenced every choice and action.
Upon arrival, they joined the offensive operations of the third battalion within the seventh regiment. Sledge's fear and disorientation were palpable as he struggled across shell-torn terrain, carrying wounded Marines to safety, and enduring sleepless nights with raids by Japanese soldiers who slipped in silently, equipped with knowledge of the territory.
Witnessing the Toll of War
The beachfront during the invasion was a scene of chaos. Numerous amphibious vehicles and DUKWs were on fire, troops were falling to bullets and explosive fragments, and Sledge witnessed the harrowing sight of a DUKW bursting into flames after being hit by artillery fire. The aftermath of past skirmishes and the suffering of his comrades profoundly troubled and impacted him.
Sledge encountered Marines who had sustained serious injuries or lost their lives on the beachhead. He saw soldiers with significant wounds, some in severe pain, and others who had been accidentally hit by friendly fire. The sight of a fallen medic and the profound mental toll on a medical officer greatly troubled by the loss of a young Marine left a lasting impression on Sledge.
These experiences began to shape Sledge's understanding of the true cost of war. The constant exposure to death and suffering would continue to affect him throughout his service and long after the war had ended.
Fierce Resistance on Peleliu
Sledge's unit faced strong resistance as they pursued their mission to seize Peleliu from the determined Japanese defenders. Their responsibilities included providing combat support and transporting the wounded on stretchers. During one mission, they came across a well with unclear water while under heavy assault from Japanese forces. Driven by thirst, they risked potential poisoning, resulting in one individual becoming sick.
The Marines faced severe resistance in their attempts to move forward across the airstrip at Peleliu. Sledge's team found themselves in the midst of intense firefights initiated by Japanese soldiers. They withstood severe mental strain and extreme heat, where each moment was vital for their survival. The Japanese defense was characterized by a relentless onslaught of intense gunfire and bombardment.
During a pivotal time marked by significant losses, the battalion met with robust resistance, facing what seemed to be insurmountable defenses. Their efforts, though resolute, were countered by the organized defense of their opponents. These experiences powerfully illustrate the fierce and immediate fighting that characterized the struggle for Peleliu.
Mortar Team's Crucial Role
Throughout these challenges, Sledge's mortar team played a crucial role. They initiated forceful strikes against the adversary's fortifications and precisely struck an air vent on a bunker, facilitating advancement in times marked by courage. In the midst of severe conflicts, the responsibilities of the mortarmen often blurred as they found themselves handling various weapons or transporting the wounded.
Sledge's account illustrates the severity of the confrontations by portraying the intense battles and deep-seated hostility that marked the encounters between American and Japanese forces. The Battle of Peleliu escalated into a brutal and intensely personal fight, leaving an indelible mark on all who participated.
Calm Before the Storm on Okinawa
Sledge's narrative explores his deep personal experiences during the deceptive calm that preceded the intense conflict at Okinawa, a critical confrontation in the Pacific area. Upon reaching Okinawa, Sledge's unit was met with surprisingly little resistance. This sudden tranquility enabled them to make swift progress, navigating the island's terrain and pausing briefly among the pines and blooming Easter lilies.
While living in the rural areas and agricultural zones of Okinawa, they formed an unexpected bond with a horse, which symbolized the fleeting moments of tranquility amidst the chaos they encountered. This period of relative peace allowed Sledge and his fellow Marines to recover and prepare for the battles to come.
Unexpected Tranquility
The initial incursions onto Okinawa differed markedly from previous confrontations. To Sledge's surprise, their arrival met with no resistance. The soldiers were filled with a sense of expectancy for an engagement as fierce as their previous assaults, including the battle at Peleliu. Sledge and his fellow Marines moved forward unchallenged, a stark contrast to the chaos of Peleliu he had witnessed.
This era of tranquility carried substantial importance for Sledge and his team. They valued serene mornings, enjoying quiet breakfasts without the impending shadow of discord. They were afforded the modest comfort of cleansing and warming their tired feet amidst the conflict. These brief moments of peace stood in sharp relief against the harshness of warfare, allowing the Marines to momentarily forget the horrors they had experienced and those that were yet to come.
Intensifying Conflict at the Shuri Line
Sledge's unit's brief period of rest was short-lived as they moved southward toward the formidable Shuri Line. Early indicators of intensifying strife emerged, with subtle hints and fleeting views that presaged the upcoming challenges. As Sledge's unit progressed, they found themselves surrounded by the chaos of battle, with the intensifying sound of artillery emphasizing the gravity of the impending clash.
The battle at Kunishi Ridge, an element of the larger offensive aimed at the crucial Shuri Line, brought severe trials for Sledge and his comrades. The ranks of Company K were thinning due to losses in battle and medical problems. Despite the surge of fresh faces, the seasoned warriors remained outnumbered, cautiously confronting the relentless challenges that awaited them. The conflict at Kunishi Ridge was fierce, leading to significant losses among both the attackers and the defenders, evoking memories of the heavy casualties sustained at Peleliu.
Psychological Toll of Extended Conflict
Sledge provides a detailed portrayal of the psychological burden that extended conflict imposes. The campaign's relentless intensity became a constant burden, marked by the distress of witnessing fellow soldiers endure hardship and casualties due to the ceaseless barrage of artillery fire. Companions succumbed to severe distress or complete collapses, while Sledge himself was progressively consumed by hopelessness.
The harrowing ordeals of warfare became an oppressive load that constantly haunted Sledge. Reflecting on his history, he weaves a poignant story that expresses bravery, grief, and the profound impact that conflict has on the core of human existence. This psychological toll would continue to affect Sledge and his fellow Marines long after the war had ended.
Bonds of Brotherhood
Sledge explores the deep connections that develop between soldiers in periods of strife. Marines cultivate a profound bond and loyalty with their comrades as they engage in daily exercises and confront scenarios that might be essential for their survival. Sledge underscores the importance of nurturing a spirit of fellowship, which arises not solely from a shared focus on enduring but also from mutual respect and fondness.
The performance of infantry during combat often depends on the deep trust and dependence they place in their fellow soldiers. Sledge and his comrades had great respect for the leadership and relationship developed by Company K's commanding officer, Capt. "Ack Ack" Haldane, as well as the direction provided by 1st Lt. Edward A. "Hillbilly" Jones, who led the machine-gun platoon. These officers were regarded not only as symbols of authority but also as vital members of a team that cultivated a connection that went beyond mere positions within the military hierarchy.
Resilience in the Face of Danger
Sledge highlights the difficult circumstances within the community's safeguarding trenches, elaborating on the shared histories and conversations that sustain spirits in the toughest times. The bond that is nurtured through training and combat extends past the individuals immediately engaged, symbolizing the deep ties that are a hallmark of Marine Corps units.
The text underscores the respect Marines have for the resilience and courage of their comrades, which becomes evident in tense and dangerous circumstances. This is often revealed through their jovial banter even when confronted with serious dangers. Sledge subtly acknowledges the resilience required for their struggle, despite looking weary and disorganized.
The Lasting Impact of War
The consequences of conflict on individuals go beyond physical harm; the terrifying experiences and suffering endured can also result in lasting mental anguish. Upon vanquishing his adversary in combat, Sledge was swiftly consumed by profound sensations of regret and culpability. He recounts stories of harrowing strife, describing the severe circumstances they faced during warfare.
Sledge recalls the profound dread that engulfed him and his comrades, a result of seeing the regular occurrence of harm and loss of life among the youth. This culminated in a sense of emotional desensitization or psychological collapse from the relentless confrontation with danger and death. The influence continuously weighed heavily on Sledge's memory, filling him with profound sorrow and haunting his sleep with nightmares.
Personal Loss and Sacrifice
A particularly poignant moment comes when Sledge recounts attempting to comfort a gravely wounded friend, Lambert, who later dies after demonstrating exceptional bravery during combat. The significant effects of conflict on individuals are highlighted by their personal sacrifices amidst scenes where the aftermath of battle is marked by the presence of Marines and scattered debris.
Sledge's narrative is marked by an intimate battle with the harsh truths of combat, indicating that in addition to his lost fellow soldiers, a fragment of his own essence, possibly his naivety or faith in human kindness, also died. He criticizes the severity of conflict that diminishes the humanity of those involved and questions the widely accepted justification for ending a life, except in situations where it is deemed essential in times of war.
Transformation Through War
Sledge's narrative reveals an increasing detachment from the principles cherished by the opposition, accompanied by feelings of solitude and disillusionment among individuals who have not undergone similar experiences. His perspective on violence and difficulties evolved throughout his service.
Sledge explores how even inherently good people can resort to extreme measures, driven by their basic instincts for survival, when faced with the devastating impacts and brutalities of war. This transformation is a central theme in his account, highlighting the profound ways in which war changes those who experience it firsthand.
The Enduring Burden of Combat
Sledge's story emphasizes the significant psychological burden carried by soldiers, a burden that persists well beyond the cessation of hostilities. For Sledge, the anxiety emerges not just from facing mortality but also from the remorse and bewilderment tied to the duties inherent in warfare. These experiences seemed to provide comfort only through grief and an unending quest to understand the reasons for the loss of life.
In summary, Sledge, alongside his comrades in the Marines, undergoes a substantial emotional transformation, reassesses their core beliefs, and experiences a deep alteration in their view of humanity as a result of their wartime experiences. Through shared suffering and collective endurance, they create connections that go beyond simple military camaraderie, while also experiencing personal and shared traumas that continue to echo well beyond the cessation of hostilities.
Controversial Pacific Campaigns
The Pacific theater of World War II witnessed a series of pivotal and fierce battles, especially in regions such as Peleliu and Okinawa, renowned for their intense and vehement combat. The decision to seize Peleliu sparked a debate and led to a substantial loss of life. Military historians and analysts continue to discuss and have not reached an agreement regarding the pivotal role played by the campaign in the Palau Islands.
The 1st Marine Division's attack on Peleliu was especially savage, resulting in a contentious role in the final victory and a substantial number of American casualties. The securing of strategically vital positions or the sustained, grueling campaigns that followed the initial invasions invariably resulted in a substantial human cost. The intensity of the conflict was starkly highlighted by the fact that the 1st Marine Division suffered double the number of casualties compared to the 2d Marine Division during the battle at Tarawa.
Evolution of Japanese Defense Strategies
The skirmish on Okinawan soil likewise secured a distinct position in historical records. Leveraging their previous combat encounters, the Japanese developed a more sophisticated strategy by incorporating multiple levels of defense in anticipation of the advancing American troops. The shift in military tactics was characterized by the implementation of a multi-tiered defense approach, first seen at Peleliu and continuing through the conflict at Iwo Jima.
Japan's choice to shift from their usual widespread coastal defense to fortified strongholds signaled to U.S. forces the likelihood of enduring intense and drawn-out conflicts should they engage on Japanese territory. This evolution in defensive strategies would have significant implications for future military operations in the Pacific theater.
The Human Cost of Pacific Battles
U.S. forces endured a staggering number of casualties due to the relentless shelling, bombardment, and fierce close-quarters combat against a resolute adversary in battles such as Okinawa. These losses included personnel of the Marine Corps and medical teams from the Navy. Sledge's narrative in With the Old Breed is widely respected for its candid portrayal of these grueling experiences, highlighting the brutal nature of the Pacific battles and their profound effects on the health of the Marine infantrymen, in terms of both mental and physical well-being.
Sledge's account serves as a compelling testimony to the harsh realities of combat. His narratives offer a deep insight into the intimate and powerful aspects of combat, illuminating the encounters of Marines who fought in the Pacific. Through his writing, Sledge provides a genuine and extraordinary perspective, highlighting the intense and formidable encounters faced by Marine Corps infantrymen in the Pacific theater of World War II.