Book SummaryWith the Old Breed, by E. B. Sledge

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of With the Old Breed

In With the Old Breed, E. B. Sledge recounts his experiences as a Marine in the Pacific during World War II. He describes the intense and brutal combat he witnessed and participated in, particularly during the battles of Peleliu and Okinawa. Sledge provides a detailed account of the challenges faced by the Marines, including the harsh terrain, the ferocity of the Japanese defenders, and the psychological toll of the fighting. He also reflects on the camaraderie and brotherhood that developed among the Marines, as well as the moral and emotional consequences of the...

With the Old Breed Summary The Tools and Geography of Pacific Combat

Sledge said that the region's landscape was challenging and often muddy. Frequent and heavy rain made the ground slippery, complicating attempts to move and dig foxholes. The mud also complicated attempts to maintain equipment free of dirt and moisture and became a breeding ground for disease.

(Shortform note: The muddy ground became a breeding ground for disease because it pooled water that was contaminated with human waste. According to researchers, the bacteria that cause leptospirosis can survive in damp soil for months. The bacteria can then enter the body through small cuts or abrasions on the skin.)

Next, we will describe the Marines’ equipment and tactics.

Equipment & Logistics

Marines frequently salvaged equipment from battlefields. Sledge notes that items from both sides littered the area, and the Marines collected their own and Japanese gear. They also gathered brass from spent munitions and took souvenirs from the dead, such as flags, gold teeth, sabers, pistols, and knives. These items were often sent to their families or traded with other troops.

(Shortform note: The Pacific theater of World War...

With the Old Breed Summary The Human Cost of War in the Pacific

The conflict in the Pacific region was marked by intense hatred and brutal fighting. According to Sledge, the Marines' animosity toward the Japanese stemmed from the surprise assault on Pearl Harbor and their combat strategies, such as feigning death to ambush. The Japanese loathed the Marines due to their fanatical devotion to their cause. This mutual hatred led to savage fighting and a reluctance to capture prisoners.

Marines looted the dead Japanese soldiers, taking their gold teeth and other items. They suffered heavy casualties, with 7,613 dead or missing and 31,807 injured during the fighting. The Japanese troops suffered even more, with 107,539 dead and 10,000 surrendering. The combat was so intense that it eroded the Marines’ sense of civilization and made them feel like savages.

The Pacific War and Racial Ideology

Historians and scholars have extensively studied the Pacific War, drawing on a wide range of sources, including military training films, popular magazines, and political speeches. These sources provide valuable insights into the attitudes and behaviors of both American and Japanese soldiers during the conflict. In _[War Without...

Shortform Exercise: Navigating the Muddy Terrain

The Marines faced difficult conditions in the Pacific theater due to frequent rain and muddy terrain. These challenges impacted movement, safety, and the effectiveness of equipment.

How do you think the muddy conditions affected the morale and daily life of the Marines?