I really wanted to like this new book but did not--I loved it. For those who have read and reread Eugene Sledge’s classic With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa, published in 1981, W. Henry Sledge’s The Old Breed: The Complete Story Revealed is a treasure trove of additional material that was left out of Eugene Sledge’s original 1981 memoir, With the Old Breed. This added content is what elevates Henry’s book, offering readers a richer, more nuanced understanding of the experiences and reflections of a Marine in the Pacific Theater during World War II.

Henry's new work is also a 'love letter' of sorts to his beloved father, mother, brother, and grandparents. He notes that his father’s original manuscript for With the Old Breed was over 1100 pages long. How invaluable that original work would be to have. Typos and all.

The unpublished material from Eugene’s original manuscript includes vivid and harrowing details that deepen the reader’s appreciation of the brutal realities of war. For instance, Eugene’s accounts of the initial assault on Peleliu reveal his chilling realization that survival was far from guaranteed. He recalls thinking, “None of us will ever get out … alive.” These raw, unfiltered moments bring an immediacy to the narrative that is both gripping and sobering.

Henry also includes Eugene’s reflections on the staggering odds faced by soldiers, such as the briefing before Okinawa, where officers warned of casualty rates as high as 80-85%. These details, omitted from the original memoir, underscore the sheer courage and resilience required to press forward under such dire circumstances. The added text also delves into the sensory horrors of war, with Eugene describing the pervasive stench of death that lingered for weeks on Okinawa.

What makes this additional material so impactful is its unflinching honesty. Eugene’s descriptions of scavenging for souvenirs, including the grim practice of extracting gold teeth from Japanese corpses, and the mental breakdowns of marines in combat, paint a stark picture of the dehumanizing effects of war. These passages, while difficult to read, are essential to understanding the full scope of the wartime experience.

Henry’s decision to intersperse these unpublished excerpts with his own memories and reflections creates a compelling dual narrative. His commentary provides context and insight into his father’s experiences, as well as the lasting impact of the war on their family. For example, Henry recounts how Eugene’s wartime stoicism influenced his post-war life, from his aversion to hunting to his pragmatic acceptance of hardships, such as finding weevils in bread during the war and later dismissing complaints about breakfast toast.

The added material also highlights Eugene’s humanity amidst the chaos of war. One particularly moving scene involves Eugene bowing to an elderly Okinawan man, who is astonished and walks away “grinning like he wasn’t afraid anymore.” These moments of compassion and decency stand in stark contrast to the brutality of combat, offering glimpses of hope and resilience.

Henry’s meticulous integration of these unpublished passages with his own narrative ensures that The Old Breed: The Complete Story Revealed is not merely an addendum to his father’s work but a profound expansion. It fills in the gaps, providing a fuller picture of Eugene Sledge’s experiences and the legacy of his service. For readers of With the Old Breed, this book is an essential companion, offering new insights and a deeper emotional connection to one of the most iconic war memoirs ever written. Add Henry’s new book to your library. It is that good. Pick up here on Amazon.

Bibliography

Sledge, E.B. With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa. New York: Ballantine Books, 2007.

Sledge, W. Henry. The Old Breed... The Complete Story Revealed: A Father, A Son, and How WWII in the Pacific Shaped Their Lives. New York: Knox Press, 2025.