With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa by Eugene Sledge Book Report (Essay Sample)

Name Instructors’ name Course Date With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa by Eugene Sledge Book Report The book, "With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa" by Eugene Sledge, is an important work in the Marine Corps history writing as a memoir focusing on World War II experiences that teach readers the hard truth of warfare. Sledge, who served as a Marine Corps mortarman, accurately describes the challenges of soldiers on the battle line, the distress, and the camaraderie that develops from danger. This memoir captures the spirit of a warrior profession: courage, dedication, integrity, and tenacity, which reflect the personality of every Marine. This paper argues that readers who engage with Sledge's account have an opportunity to learn not only about the physically strenuous conditions of war but also about psychological and emotional experiences that help to define a warrior; it is for this reason that for those interested in the Marines as an institution or in understanding the virtues associated with military service, may find it difficult to ignore Sledge's work. It is a prime example of a true warrior narrative whose paramount focus is brotherhood, tenacity, and perseverance. One strong example of fellowship is when Sledge captures the essence of the Marines' camaraderie during warfare: "We were all in it together, and I think that was the most important thing" (Sledge). This helped them stand united during hardships and showed them how crucial it is to stand collectively against adversities. Besides, Sledge stands firm during Peleliu and Okinawa's long and tedious fight, which is also proven here. In particular, he focuses on the shelling and how the Marines remained unyielding, with Pryor stating, "It is not the will to win that count. Rely on your desire to be prepared to compete" (Sledge). This, therefore, captures the drive and determination needed to overcome the odds in combat. Finally, Sledge's resilience is poignantly captured as he recounts the traumatic experiences and losses he faced throughout the war. He emphasizes the psychological scars left behind while striving to maintain a sense of humanity amid chaos: "You carry the war inside you" (Sledge). This encapsulation of resilience speaks to the enduring legacy of a warrior's spirit, reinforcing the qualities that define their character in the face of profound adversity. As I look back on my journey, I realize that I was once firmly grounded in values such as courage, commitment, and drive as the framework of my military existence. There was courage in encroaching upon the unpredictable, be it the brutal rigors of training or the apostrophe of actual combat. Sometimes, there were moments where I felt like giving up, but whenever that happened, my fellow marines reminded me of my purpose. I was challenged during several exercises and missions, which made me understand the importance of commitment while serving my unit. I felt motivated because I believed I could do more than I could do. But now, I have no courage, commitment, or desire to be a Marine. Knowing this has been damping and disappointing, I still try to internalize the martial code: pick oneself up after being knocked down and stay aimed at our goals. Regarding ways to employ the warrior ethos in the shop, I do not see myself finding ways to employ the warrior ethos in my work due to my lack of a warrior mindset following a traumatic experience. While reading Eugene Sledge's "With the Old Breed," I recognized the values of perseverance and teamwork as vital in the workplace, but I struggle to embody these qualities. Sledge emphasized that "it was not the physical courage that was most important but the mental courage to maintain discip...