Chapter 7, Rest and Rehabilitation and Chapter 8, Prelude to Invasion Summary and Analysis

These brief chapters cover the period of time during which Sledge was not in combat. The text discusses events transpiring between the end of combat on Peleliu and the beginning of combat on Okinawa. Sledge and others on board the troop transport are depressed and war fatigued. They talk about lost comrades and wonder if the capture of Peleliu was even necessary—a debate which has continued until modern times. In early November, the ship reaches Macquitti Bay, Pavuvu, and the troops debark. They find camp life disconcerting and resent inexperienced officers giving orders. One evening, 1st Sergeant David P. Bailey gathers the veterans and gives them a brief speech praising their morale and courage—they find the veteran Bailey's words welcome. On...