#1553

Mentioned in 17 episodes

With the Old Breed

At Peleliu and Okinawa

Book • 1981

Author

Eugene B. Sledge

With the Old Breed is a powerful and poignant memoir written by Eugene B. Sledge, detailing his experiences as a Marine during World War II. The book chronicles his time in the 1st Marine Division, specifically with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, during the brutal battles of Peleliu and Okinawa.

Sledge's account is marked by its simplicity and searing honesty, capturing the intense violence, fear, and camaraderie that defined the lives of soldiers in the Pacific Theater.

He describes the harsh training, the unimaginable carnage, and the psychological impact of constant fear and horror.

The memoir also highlights the brotherhood among the Marines and the struggle to retain humanity amidst the chaos of war.

It is praised for its unvarnished and realistic portrayal of combat, making it a classic in American military history.

Mentioned by

Mentioned in 17 episodes

Mentioned by

Dan Carlin

as one of the best war memoirs of all time, focusing on the battles of Peleliu and Okinawa.

435 snips

Show 67 - Supernova in the East VI

Mentioned by

Jocko Willink

as a characterization of emotions and thoughts in combat.

173 snips

498: Regardless of the Distractions, You Know What To Do. Do It.

Made famous after his death due to his book, it is considered one of the best war memoirs in American history.

128 snips

EP33 Sledgehammer and Big Shot

Mentioned by

Jocko Willink

when discussing the transition of Marine Corps culture from wartime to peacetime.

74 snips

395: Building a Powerful Culture Around Your Organization. With Leif Babin

Mentioned by

Jocko Willink

as the basis for the HBO series "The Pacific".

41 snips

491: SLEDGEHAMMER. Eugene Sledge's son Henry Shares Lost Stories of The Old Breed 1st Marine Division.

Mentioned by

Jocko Willink

as a book to which Eugene Sledge sent a copy of his book for review.

41 snips

491: SLEDGEHAMMER. Eugene Sledge's son Henry Shares Lost Stories of The Old Breed 1st Marine Division.

Recommended by

Victor Davis Hanson

to read about a first-hand Marine account of what happened at Okinawa during WWII.

32 snips

Israel’s Gaza Decision and Dropping the Big One

Recommended by

Victor Davis Hanson

; a personal memoir about fighting in World War II.

23 snips

OK Boomers: Victor Davis Hanson, Pagers, Zelenskyy, and the Fellows “Talkin’ ‘Bout Their Generation” | GoodFellows | Hoover Institution

Mentioned by

Dave Burke

as a book that significantly impacted his perspective on leadership and combat.

19 snips

190: How Tolerance Can Be Your Greatest Risk. USMC Tactics Pt.4 w/ Dave Berke

Mentioned by

Doyle Glass

as a World War II memoir that inspired his writing style.

18 snips

104 - Heroic Struggles in Vietnam, w/ Doyle Glass

Recommended by

John Ashbrook

and his dad as a resource to learn more about the Pacific theater in World War II.

14 snips

These Are the Most American Moments Ever: July 4th with Ruthless

Mentioned by

Jocko Willink

when discussing his learning process and the impact of books on his understanding of leadership and tactics.

12 snips

137: If You Know The Way Broadly, You Will See It in All Things. With Jiu Jitsu World Champion, Dean Lister.

Mentioned by

Victor Davis Hanson

as one of the most horrific accounts of Okinawa. And that people involved in those battles confirmed everything that was said in the book.

Toughen Up, Buttercup?

Mentioned by

Ryan Williams

as a book about the horrors of the Pacific theater of World War II.

Putting DOGE Down

Recommended by

Greg Koukl

for listeners interested in military history and war combat memoirs.

Which Books Left a Lasting Impression on You?

Mentioned by

Jocko Willink

when discussing

Tom Schueman

's assignment to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines.

350: Someone Must Walk The Point. With Marine Corps Major Tom Shueman

Discussed by

Joey Jones

as providing insight into experiences of marines on the islands of Guadalcanal.

6/26/25 - The Real Enemy Within: Marxism and Islamism in America

Mentioned by

Jocko Willink

while discussing the brutality of war and contrasting the portrayal of Eugene Sledge in "The Pacific" with his actual personality.

262: The Winning Lessons and How to Apply Them, from The Manual, "Fighting On Guadalcanal"

Mentioned by Steve Bannon as one of the books adapted for the miniseries "The Pacific".

Episode 4658: Trump Heads To Scotland; Blanche And Maxwell Day 2

Mentioned by Dr. Bradley Thayer, quoting Sledge on how the atomic bomb saved him and his comrades.

Episode 4686: 80th Anniversary Of The Bombing Of Hiroshima

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!

Get the app