As a narrator, Sledge proves compassionate, thorough, and honest, unafraid to address even the most disturbing, inglorious aspects of war in order to paint a sincere picture of his experience in World War II. Sledge celebrates the bond between Marines, a loyalty to one another that he believes helps them endure the horrors they experience. With the Old Breed, at Peleliu and Okinawa Eugene Bondurant Sledge Oxford University Press, 1990 - Marines - 326 pages 8 Reviews Reviews aren't verified, but Google checks for and removes. In addition, he is attached to his identity as a Southerner, which he embraces with pride. Sledge is also characterized by sincere patriotism, a belief in his individual responsibility to defend the country he loves. With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa is the classic story of modern ground combat and amphibious warfare. He is transformed by the friendship and solidarity he experiences in Company K, in the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines (K/3/5), and proves capable of showing deep kindness toward his comrades.

However, despite his initial fears about how he might react in combat, Sledge (nicknamed “Sledgehammer” by his comrades) soon proves a deeply reliable combatant, devoted to helping his companions and performing his duty to the best of his ability. Sledge’s innocence and enthusiasm for the war as a nineteen-year-old recruit is soon replaced by a hands-on understanding of the strict discipline, physical exertion, and emotional trauma that fighting entails. The narrator and protagonist of With the Old Breed, Sledge undergoes a personal transformation over the course of the years and his combat experience.

Eugene b sledge with the old breed