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

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

The author's choice to join the Marine Corps and undergo its demanding training regimen.

In this engaging narrative, the author recounts his path to enlistment in the Marine Corps, a choice he made despite his family's objections, and describes the rigorous process involved in earning the title of a Marine.

The author chose to join the Marine Corps, even though his family favored him pursuing officer training.

The author's family supported his decision to stay in the academic field, believing that a career in the United States military would be more advantageous. The author enlisted in the Marine Corps on December 3, 1942, driven by the worry that the war might end before he had the opportunity to participate in battle. His fervent wish to be actively involved in the conflict led him and his companions to deliberately flunk their courses, thereby joining the armed forces instead of pursuing programs to become officers. They eagerly entered the fray, bypassing the lengthy officer training programs that could last up to two years.

The author recounts personal stories from the initial phase of his military training, particularly from the period of basic training.

Upon reaching the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, the fresh recruits encountered a profound...

With the Old Breed Summary The author experienced significant events amidst the conflict.

The author delivers a captivating story drawn from his personal experiences in the World War II conflicts at Peleliu.

The author's harrowing experience commenced with the first assaults on Peleliu.

As the amtracs approached the shore, shrouded in fire and smoke, the author witnessed the ferocious assault on Peleliu amidst an overwhelming onslaught of noise. His unit, K/3/5, was compromised due to poor visibility and erroneous orders, leading them to inadvertently become the unguarded flank of the beachhead. The progression into the interior faced obstacles due to continuous bombardment from mortars of 81 and 90 millimeters in caliber. The sweltering heat and excessive perspiration, compounded by the weight of their heavy packs, turned each stride into a strenuous effort, underscoring the runner's evident urgency. They confronted the unpredictability of their water sources and the looming danger of hostile gunfire, which influenced every choice and action.

Upon their arrival, they joined the offensive operations of the third battalion within the seventh regiment. The author's fear and disorientation were palpable, struggling across shell-torn terrain while carrying wounded...

With the Old Breed Summary The author's insights are derived from occurrences that took place on the island of Okinawa.

The narrative explores the author's deep personal experiences during the deceptive calm that preceded the intense conflict at Okinawa, a critical confrontation in the Pacific area.

The author's unit joins the invasion force and initially faces little opposition

Upon reaching Okinawa, the author's unit was met with surprisingly little resistance. The sudden tranquility enables 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 a bond with a horse that symbolized the fleeting moments of tranquility amidst the chaos they encountered.

The author is surprised by the lack of Japanese resistance during the initial landings.

The initial incursions onto Okinawa differed markedly from previous confrontations. The 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. The writer and his fellow Marines moved forward unchallenged, a contrast to the chaos of Peleliu he had witnessed.

The author...

With the Old Breed Summary The author, as well as his comrades, was profoundly impacted by the consequences of conflict.

The author, who served in the Pacific region during World War II, recounts how the conflict left a profound impact on himself and his Marine comrades, sharing powerful experiences that created lasting connections and inflicted significant emotional wounds.

The author fostered a profound bond of fellowship and allegiance among the members of their group.

The author explores the deep connections that develop between soldiers in periods of strife. Marines cultivate a deep bond and loyalty with their comrades as they engage in daily exercises and confront scenarios that might be essential for their survival. The writer 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.

The soldiers have 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 leads the machine-gun platoon. The officers are regarded not...

With the Old Breed Summary The broader consequences and the enduring impact of the dispute.

During World War II, the Pacific theater witnessed a series of pivotal and fierce battles, especially in regions such as Peleliu and Okinawa, renowned for their intense and vehement combat.

The Pacific theater was characterized by pivotal and contentious military operations, particularly those conducted in Peleliu and Okinawa.

The decision to seize Peleliu sparked a debate and led to a substantial loss of life.

The debate over the strategic necessity of capturing Peleliu, an element of the wider military campaigns across the Pacific region, was ignited. 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...