With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa Audiobook [Free Download by Trial]

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With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa by E. B. Sledge

The readers can download With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa Audiobook for free via Audible Free Trial.


Summary

This modern classic of military history has been called "one of the most important personal accounts of war that I have ever read" by distinguished historian John Keegan. Author E.B. Sledge served with the First Marine Division during WWII, and his first-hand narrative is unsurpassed in its sincerity. Sledge's experience shows in this fascinating account of two of the most harrowing and pivotal island battles of the Pacific theater. On Peleliu and Okinawa the action was extremely fierce. Amidst oppressive heat and over land obliterated by artillery shells, the combat raged ferociously. Casualties were extreme on both sides, and by the time the Americans had broken through at Okinawa, more than 62,000 Japanese soldiers were dead. Against military policy, Sledge scribbled notes and jammed them into his copy of the New Testament. Those notes form the backbone of what Navy Times said "has been called the best World War II memoir of an enlisted man."

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10 comments

  • I really enjoyed reading this book, although I personally favored "Helmet for my Pillow" more. The narrative flowed smoothly and never became overly complicated, which was impressive. It offers a firsthand perspective of the Pacific Theater during WWII, giving you a true sense of what it was like to be on the front lines. However, there were a couple of minor issues that bothered me: 1). The author's excessive use of the phrase "Okay you guys" became a bit repetitive. I understand that EB Sledge was a soldier and not a professional writer, so I can't really hold it against him too much. But it did crop up quite often. 2). The narrator's peculiar habit of pausing at odd moments throughout his sentences made it sound as if he was reading from poorly timed cue cards. Apart from these two things, I found the book to be quite enjoyable. I just happen to prefer Robert Leckie's book more.
  • The war in the Pacific seems to have been overshadowed by the war in Europe when it comes to historical accounts. However, this audiobook, which served as a source for HBO's The Pacific, offers a compelling narrative that delves deep into the firsthand experiences of Eugene Sledge and his fellow Marines during the battles of Peleliu and Okinawa. The storytelling is heartfelt and provides an intimate glimpse into the harrowing and ordinary moments that unfolded during their service to the nation. What adds to its allure is that it is narrated by the actor who portrayed Eugene Sledge in The Pacific, making it an even more immersive experience for those who have watched the series. I highly recommend this audiobook to any listener.
  • This audiobook offers a truly powerful and emotional firsthand perspective of the intense battles fought in Peleliu and Okinawa. The soldiers' experiences in the trenches are vividly portrayed, leaving a lasting impact on the listener. The narration captures the raw realism of the events, often evoking strong emotions. Having recently completed "Helmet for my Pillow," reading both of these books will undoubtedly transport you to the front lines and provide an immersive understanding of World War II in the Pacific. If you have any interest in this historical period, these two books come highly recommended. They truly deserve all the praise and accolades they receive.
  • The narrator can have a huge impact on the quality of an audiobook. A subpar narrator has the ability to transform an incredible story into something that's almost unbearable to listen to. It's aggravating when the reader places emphasis on words that shouldn't be emphasized. Personally, this completely ruins the story for me, and I find it difficult to overlook despite my efforts. If you compare and contrast this audiobook with one narrated by Tom Hanks (like "The Dutch House" which I just finished), you'll understand exactly what I'm talking about. It's such a shame that this fantastic journal was presented in such a disappointing manner.
  • As a Marine and former Infantryman myself, this book, "With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa," holds significant meaning for me. I've been eager to read it for quite some time, as I had heard nothing but positive reviews. Coincidentally, during a long road trip from Minnesota to Nevada, I decided to order it on the service. Let me tell you, I am incredibly grateful that I did! This book is outstanding! The challenges those Marines faced were unparalleled. Nothing has come close since then. Sledge hammer, drawing from first-hand experience, writes with such authority because he was there! I have immense respect for the Greatest Generation, and without a doubt, I can confidently say that this is the most exceptionally written account of war that I've ever encountered. All I can say is OoRah! Semper Fi! MEJ
  • This book offers an outstanding portrayal of war through the perspective of soldiers on the front lines. It is an absolute must-read for anyone with an interest in history or humanity as a whole.
  • This book is unlike anything I've ever read before. It delves deep into the emotional impact, hardships, inhumane treatment, and overall unpleasantness that comes with being a soldier, all while remaining proud of the Marine's achievements in the Pacific Theater of Operations. It's not your typical glorified account of war; instead, it forces you to question the senselessness and futility of it. I really valued the personal insights into Sledge's inner turmoil and fear as he experienced his first taste of combat, and as he witnessed the battles on Peleliu and Okinawa. It provided a unique perspective.
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