With the Old Breed

As a society, America needs from time to time to question the conduct of its foreign relations. “With The Old Breed” provides the ultimate “reality check” by serving as a graphic reminder of the horrors America has periodically required its young men to endure for the higher cause of defending freedom.

Based on notes Sledge secretly kept in a copy of the New Testament, With the Old Breed captures with utter simplicity and searing honesty the experience of a soldier in the fierce battles of Peleliu (1944) and Okinawa (1945) in the Pacific Theater. Here is what saved, threatened, and changed his life. Here, too, is the story of how he learned to hate and kill, and came to love, his fellow man.

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.

With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa is an extraordinary and haunting memoir that offers a firsthand account of the brutal battles fought by the author as a Marine in the Pacific during World War II. Sledge’s work provides a raw and unflinching portrayal of the horrors of war, presenting a deeply personal perspective on the sacrifices and challenges faced by the soldiers on the front lines.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is Sledge’s exceptional ability to convey the intense physical and emotional toll of combat. Through vivid and visceral descriptions, he paints a harrowing picture of the fear, suffering, and camaraderie experienced by the Marines during the grueling campaigns of Peleliu and Okinawa. His honest and introspective writing style immerses readers in the chaotic and brutal reality of war.

Sledge’s memoir also stands out for its poignant and insightful reflections on the nature of humanity, morality, and the impact of war on the individual psyche. He explores the internal struggle between his innate humanity and the violence demanded by war, offering profound observations on the dehumanizing effects of combat.

However, some readers may find the narrative occasionally disjointed and lacking a clear chronological structure. Sledge’s focus on personal experiences and individual anecdotes may result in a fragmented storytelling that could have been further organized and contextualized.

In conclusion, With the Old Breed is a powerful and affecting memoir that provides a vital perspective on the Pacific campaigns of World War II. Sledge’s honest and evocative writing captures the horror and humanity of war, leaving an indelible impact on readers. Despite its occasional structural challenges, the book remains an important testament to the sacrifice and resilience of the soldiers who fought in the Pacific.