'With the Old Breed' by E.B. Sledge offers a raw and unfiltered account of the brutal realities faced by Marines during the Pacific Theater in World War II. Through his vivid and harrowing descriptions, Sledge immerses readers in the chaos of combat, confronting the physical and psychological toll of war. The memoir's candid portrayal of courage, sacrifice, and the struggle for survival captures the essence of the human spirit amid unspeakable horrors. As Sledge wrestles with the moral complexities of warfare, he invites readers to reflect on the nature of bravery and the price of war. This gripping narrative challenges us to honor the sacrifices of those who fought and to understand the profound impacts of their experiences.
By E.B. Sledge
Published: 2007
"We were just a bunch of kids, thrown into a hell we couldn’t understand, caught in a war that would change us forever."
“Eugene Sledge became more than a legend with his memoir, With The Old Breed. He became a chronicler, a historian, a storyteller who turns the extremes of the war in the Pacific—the terror, the camaraderie, the banal and the extraordinary—into terms we mortals can grasp.”—Tom Hanks NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER In The Wall Street Journal, Victor Davis Hanson named With the Old Breed one of the top five books on epic twentieth-century battles. Studs Terkel interviewed the author for his definitive oral history, The Good War. Now E. B. Sledge’s acclaimed first-person account of fighting at Peleliu and Okinawa returns to thrill, edify, and inspire a new generation. An Alabama boy steeped in American history and enamored of such heroes as George Washington and Daniel Boone, Eugene B. Sledge became part of the war’s famous 1st Marine Division—3rd Battalion, 5th Marines. Even after intense training, he was shocked to be thrown into the battle of Peleliu, where “the world was a nightmare of flashes, explosions, and snapping bullets.” By the time Sledge hit the hell of Okinawa, he was a combat vet, still filled with fear but no longer with panic. 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 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. “In all the literature on the Second World War, there is not a more honest, realistic or moving memoir than Eugene Sledge’s. This is the real deal, the real war: unvarnished, brutal, without a shred of sentimentality or false patriotism, a profound primer on what it actually was like to be in that war. It is a classic that will outlive all the armchair generals’ safe accounts of—not the ‘good war’—but the worst war ever.”—Ken Burns
Showing 8 of 28 similar books
Anna Kendrick is an acclaimed actress and author, best known for her versatile performances in film and theater. She gained widespread recognition for her role in the "Twilight" series and earned an Academy Award nomination for her performance in "Up in the Air." In 2016, Kendrick expanded her creative repertoire by publishing her memoir, "Scrappy Little Nobody," which offers a candid, humorous look at her life and career. The book became a New York Times bestseller, showcasing her sharp wit and storytelling talent. Kendrick continues to influence both the entertainment and literary worlds with her engaging presence and authentic voice.
Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.
Morgan Housel is a financial writer and partner at The Collaborative Fund, best known for his book The Psychology of Money. His work explores the behavioral side of finance, emphasizing how emotions, history, and decision-making impact wealth-building. Housel’s writing is widely praised for being accessible, insightful, and engaging, making complex financial topics easier to understand. He contributes regularly to financial publications and speaks at conferences on the power of long-term thinking in finance. His book has become a modern classic in the personal finance genre.
Jocko Willink is a retired Navy SEAL officer, renowned for his leadership during the Battle of Ramadi in the Iraq War, which earned him the Silver Star and Bronze Star. Transitioning from military service, he co-authored the best-selling book "Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win" with fellow SEAL Leif Babin, which has become a cornerstone in leadership and management literature. Willink has also written the "Way of the Warrior Kid" series, aimed at empowering young readers with principles of discipline and resilience. Additionally, he hosts the popular "Jocko Podcast," where he discusses leadership, discipline, and personal development. Willink's influence extends beyond literature through his Echelon Front leadership consultancy, helping organizations implement effective leadership strategies.
Brad Feld is a prominent American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author known for his influential work in the startup ecosystem. Co-founder of the Foundry Group, he has played a pivotal role in funding and mentoring early-stage technology companies. Feld is also a key figure behind the Techstars accelerator program, which has helped launch numerous successful startups. As an author, he has penned several essential books on entrepreneurship and venture capital, including "Venture Deals" and "Startup Communities," which provide invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors. His writings and active blogging have cemented his reputation as a thought leader in the tech and startup communities.
Nat Eliason is an influential writer, entrepreneur, and educator known for his insightful work on personal growth, productivity, and digital marketing. He founded Growth Machine, a successful SEO and content marketing agency that has helped numerous companies expand their online presence. Eliason's thought-provoking articles on his blog cover a wide range of topics, from philosophy to health, attracting a large and engaged audience. Additionally, he authored "Effortless Output with Roam," a comprehensive guide on using the Roam Research tool for knowledge management. Through his diverse contributions, Eliason has established himself as a significant voice in the realms of self-improvement and digital strategy.
Michelle Obama is an American attorney, author, and former First Lady of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. She is widely recognized for her advocacy on issues such as education, military families, healthy eating, and poverty awareness. Her memoir, "Becoming," published in 2018, has been a global bestseller and acclaimed for its insightful and inspiring narrative. Michelle Obama has also launched initiatives like "Let’s Move!" to combat childhood obesity and the "Reach Higher" campaign to encourage higher education. Her work continues to influence and empower millions around the world.
James Clear is the author of the bestselling book Atomic Habits, which focuses on the power of small habits and incremental improvements to achieve significant personal and professional growth. Clear’s writing blends insights from psychology, neuroscience, and productivity to provide practical strategies for building better habits. His work has helped millions of people create positive changes in their lives by focusing on the process rather than the outcome. James’s clear, actionable advice has made him a sought-after speaker and thought leader in the field of personal development.
Showing 8 of 20 related collections
“We were just a bunch of kids, thrown into a hell we couldn’t understand, caught in a war that would change us forever.”
With the Old Breed
By E.B. Sledge
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
E.B. Sledge was an American author and World War II veteran, best known for his memoir 'With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa,' which offers a harrowing and honest portrayal of the Pacific theater during the war. His writing is characterized by its vivid, unflinching detail and deep emotional resonance, reflecting the intense experiences and psychological toll of combat. In addition to 'With the Old Breed,' he also authored 'China Marine: An Infantryman’s Life after World War II,' which continues to explore themes of survival and the challenges faced by soldiers returning from war. Sledge's works have been praised for their lyrical prose and often serve as crucial accounts of the realities of military service.
Key information about the book.
Buy on Amazon
Buy via BookShopSupport local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
In 'A Field Guide to Getting Lost', Rebecca Solnit weaves a tapestry of personal reflection, philosophical musings, and rich narratives that explore the concept of loss in both its literal and metaphorical forms. Through her journey into the beauty of the unknown, Solnit invites readers to embrace uncertainty and revel in the freedom it brings. The book questions our obsession with finding certainty and answers in an often-chaotic world. With eloquent prose, she reveals how losing our way can lead to profound discoveries about ourselves and our place in the universe. Dive into a compelling exploration of wandering, identity, and the serendipitous nature of life that will leave you contemplating your own paths and possibilities.
Set in a sprawling future where humanity has colonized the stars, 'The Reality Dysfunction' unfolds a tale of cosmic horror as an ancient evil awakens. As the boundaries of life and death blur, a diverse cast of characters—ranging from spacefaring rebels to a religious prophecy—must confront their worst nightmares. Amidst epic battles and political intrigue, the fabric of reality itself begins to unravel. This gripping narrative explores themes of existence, belief, and the consequences of humanity's hubris. Dive into a universe teetering on the brink of chaos, where every choice could lead to salvation or doom.
In 'Deep Survival,' Laurence Gonzales explores the thin line between life and death in extreme situations. Through gripping true stories of survival, he reveals the psychological and physical challenges faced by individuals when pushed to their limits. The book delves into the science of the brain's response to danger and how mindset can determine survival outcomes. Gonzales combines adventure narratives with deep insights, making readers question what it truly means to survive. Prepare to be captivated by tales of resilience that may just inspire your own survival instincts.
In 'An Autobiography', Mohandas K. Gandhi shares the remarkable journey of his life, revealing the evolution of his philosophy of non-violence and truth. From his early years in India to his transformative experiences in South Africa, Gandhi exposes the struggles that shaped his commitment to social justice. His candid reflections on faith, morality, and personal growth challenge conventional beliefs and inspire readers to question their own values. This gripping narrative not only details his political activism but also provides an intimate look at his family life and spiritual pursuits. Discover the profound insights that guided one of history's most influential leaders in his quest for freedom and equality.
In 'A History of Economic Theory', Jürg Niehans takes readers on a captivating journey through the evolution of economic thought. From ancient philosophies to contemporary paradigms, the book unravels how ideas have shaped economic practices across cultures and eras. With each chapter, Niehans reveals the intellectual battles and breakthroughs that have defined the discipline. Rich in historical context, this work challenges readers to consider the relevance of past theories in today's economy. Dive into this scholarly adventure and discover how the past continually influences our understanding of wealth and value.
In 'Hardcore History', Dan Carlin takes listeners on an epic auditory journey through the annals of human conflict, exploring the profound impact of war on civilization. His vivid storytelling and deep analysis breathe life into historical events, making even the most distant eras feel immediate and relevant. With a unique blend of passion and intellect, Carlin challenges conventional narratives, urging us to question what we think we know about our past. Each episode transforms history into a gripping tale of human drama, complete with the moral dilemmas faced by our ancestors. Prepare to rethink history as you uncover the haunting truths hidden in the echoes of time.
In 'Mind Games' by Michael Powell, readers are drawn into a thrilling psychological journey where reality and illusion intertwine. The protagonist, a brilliant but troubled psychologist, stumbles upon a secret that could unravel his very sanity. As he delves deeper into the minds of his patients, he discovers a conspiracy that threatens not only his career but his life. Each twist and turn challenges his perception of truth, leading to shocking revelations. Will he escape the mind games before it's too late, or will he become a pawn in a larger scheme?
In 'Bataan Death March,' James Bollich unveils the harrowing story of one of World War II's most notorious events. As Allied soldiers face the brutal realities of captivity and forced march, survival becomes a daily struggle. Bollich sheds light on the courage and resilience of the human spirit amidst overwhelming despair. With vivid storytelling, he invites readers to witness the heroism and sacrifice of those involved. This compelling narrative challenges us to remember the past and honor the lives forever changed by this dark chapter in history.
Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.
