With the Old Breed at Peleliu and Okinawa

The inspiration behind the HBO series The Pacific, this World War II memoir by United States Marine Eugene Sledge was first published in 1981 and recounts Sledge’s experiences in the Pacific Theatre. A 60mm mortarman in the battle of Peleliu as part of the war’s famous 1st Marine Division (3rd Battalion, 5th Marines) and later fighting in Okinawa, this book honestly relays the brutality of the Pacific Theatre. Crucially, With the Old Breed distinguishes itself from other books of its kind by describing war trauma as it is happening: Sledge breaks down three times over the course of the book. Yet Sledge also illustrates the immense bravery and courage displayed by the soldiers who overcame these conditions to continue fighting. Described as one of the finest memoirs to emerge from any war, With the Old Breed at Peleliu and Okinawa is essential reading for a deeper appreciation of military history and land warfare.