Chapter 11, Of Shock and Shells Summary and Analysis

Chapter 11, like Chapter 12, details ongoing combat operations on Okinawa; in many respects, these two chapters are like Chapter 6. The chapter includes many graphic and disturbing portrayals of combat and warfare. Chapter 11 discusses the events transpiring between May 6 and 14, 1945, on Okinawa.

Heavy rain begins to fall and the clay soil turns to thick, glue-like mud. The mud prevents armor and vehicles from moving and resupply operations must be performed by men. Loaded with heavy burdens of ammunition, water, and food, the men struggle through knee-deep mud and occasionally come under enemy fire. Sledge notes that most accounts of war ignore this taxing struggle of manual resupply. On May 8, the troops hear that Germany has unconditionally surrendered; their response is a nonplussed realization that the surrender does not alter their situation in the least.

Sledge...