With The Old Breed

Book Review: With The Old Breed by E. B. Sledge

After watching the HBO series The Pacific, which is based on E. B. Sledge’s book With The Old Breed, I was compelled to dive deeper into the source material. The series was incredibly educational and captivating, prompting me to purchase the book immediately.

With The Old Breed is a detailed and gripping account of one Marine’s experiences fighting the Japanese at Peleliu and Okinawa during World War II. Eugene B. Sledge, affectionately known as “Sledgehammer” (K/3/5), provides an unflinching and vivid portrayal of the war as seen through the eyes of a combat Marine. His meticulous storytelling paints a raw and realistic picture, sparing no detail for the reader.

The book is a testament to the heroic deeds and immense sacrifices made by the Marines and Corpsmen during these brutal campaigns. Sledge’s narrative is so immersive that you can almost feel the heat, hear the gunfire, and sense the fear and camaraderie among the soldiers.

I highly recommend picking up a copy of With The Old Breed. It’s not just a historical account but a deeply personal and moving story that honors the bravery and resilience of those who fought. If you’ve already read it, I’d love to hear your thoughts and reflections.