In his own book, ‘Wartime’, Paul Fussell called ‘With the Old Breed’ “one of the finest memoirs to emerge from any war.” John Keegan referred to it in ‘The Second World War’ as “one of the most arresting documents in war literature.” And Studs Terkel was so fascinated with the story he interviewed its author for his book, ‘The Good War.’ What has made E.B. Sledge’s memoir of his experience fighting in the South Pacific during World War II so devastatingly powerful is its sheer honest simplicity and compassion.
Lying in a foxhole sweating out an enemy artillery or mortar barrage or waiting to dash across open ground under machine-gun or artillery fire defied any concept of time.
Eugene B. Sledge’s With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa is a classic memoir that has left an indelible mark on the literature of World War II. The book provides a first-hand account of the harrowing experiences of a young marine during the brutal battles of Peleliu and Okinawa. While the book has been widely praised for its unflinching portrayal of the realities of war, a critical analysis reveals certain limitations that are worth exploring.
First, it is important to acknowledge the strengths of the book. Sledge’s writing is powerful and evocative, bringing to life the sights, sounds, and smells of the battlefield. His descriptions of the physical and emotional toll of war are deeply moving, and his empathy for his fellow soldiers is palpable. The book is also notable for its frankness about the brutalities of war, including the deaths of comrades, the destruction of the natural environment, and the psychological trauma experienced by soldiers.
However, there are also some limitations to the book that are worth noting. One of the most significant is the narrow focus of the narrative. The book is centered almost entirely on Sledge’s own experiences, with little attention paid to the larger context of the war or the experiences of other soldiers. While this approach can be effective in creating a sense of immediacy and intimacy, it can also be limiting, as it fails to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the war or its broader significance.
Another limitation of the book is its lack of critical analysis of the military strategy and tactics employed during the battles of Peleliu and Okinawa. Sledge’s focus is primarily on the experiences of the soldiers on the ground, and he does not delve deeply into the decisions made by military leaders or the broader strategic goals of the war. This can make the book feel somewhat disconnected from the larger historical context, and can leave readers with unanswered questions about the war and its outcomes.
A related limitation is the book’s lack of engagement with the political and ethical issues surrounding the war. While Sledge is clear-eyed about the horrors of war, he does not engage with questions about why the war was fought, or whether it was a just or necessary conflict. This can make the book feel somewhat narrow in its focus, and can leave readers wanting a more nuanced understanding of the war and its significance.
Finally, it is worth noting that the book was written more than 40 years after the events it describes, and this time lag can sometimes be felt in the narrative. While Sledge’s memories are generally vivid and detailed, there are occasional moments where the passage of time is evident, and the narrative can feel somewhat disjointed or fragmented.
In conclusion, With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa is a powerful and moving memoir that provides a first-hand account of the brutal realities of war. While the book has its limitations, including its narrow focus, lack of critical analysis, and occasional disjointedness, it remains a classic of World War II literature, and a testament to the courage and resilience of the soldiers who fought in the Pacific. For readers interested in understanding the experiences of soldiers during this period, the book is an essential read, and a valuable contribution to our collective memory of the war.