Chapter 6, Brave Men Lost Summary and Analysis

Chapter 6 details the continuing combat on Peleliu; in many respects it is like Chapters 11 and 12. The chapter includes many graphic and disturbing portrayals of combat and warfare. Memories of the intense combat described in this chapter remain with Sledge throughout the remainder of his life. K/3/5 is assigned to the front lines on the final assault of Peleliu, against the Umurbrogol Ridge pocket, or Bloody Nose Ridge pocket, measuring about four hundred by twelve hundred yards. The chapter includes a detail map showing the area discussed. The terrain is noted as being incredibly rough, rugged, and broken. In fact, the terrain is so confusing that Sledge is usually not quite sure where his unit is deployed—and even years later studies of maps and official reports have not erased all confusion. Numerous attacks have...