Chapter 1, Making of a Marine Summary and Analysis

E.B. Sledge writes his personal memoir of marine infantry combat operations in the Pacific theater during World War II. The text commences with Sledge's induction into the marines, follows his training through boot camp and infantry school, and describes his pre-combat deployment to Pavuvu. Sledge then recalls his days in combat, assigned as an assistant gunner on a 60mm mortar on Peleliu and Ngesebus, followed by a period of rest and retraining once again at Pavuvu. Sledge then recalls his second stint in combat during the assault and capture of Okinawa, followed by the end of the war and eventual demobilization. Special emphasis is placed on the mental and moral aspects of warfare.

Sledge, born in November of 1923 and died in March of 2001, is the author of the text and also the...