Sledge writes, quote, shells crashed all around. Fragments tore and whirred, slapping on the sand and splash into the water. The instant the duck stopped, it was engulfed in a thick, dirty, black smoke as a shell scored a direct hit on it. I didn't see any men get out of the duck. He continues up and down the beach, and out on the reef, a number of am tracks and ducks were burning.
When do spirit, tenacity, resilience and bravery cross into madness? When cities are incinerated? When suicide attacks become the norm? When atomic weapons are used? Japan's leaders test the limits of national endurance in the war's last year.