Chapter 12, Of Mud and Maggots Summary and Analysis

Chapter 12 continues to detail ongoing combat operations on Okinawa; in many respects it is like Chapter 6. The chapter includes many graphic and disturbing portrayals of combat and warfare. Chapter 12 discusses the events transpiring between May 15 and 23, 1945, on Okinawa.

Another push begins with a heavy artillery bombardment combined with air strikes. As Sledge waits for the orders to move out, he watches a priest deliver communion to other marines, and despairingly wonders what use religion can serve in war. During the advance, corpsman Caswell is seriously wounded. Sledge administers first aid and carries Caswell out, doubting he will survive his wounds. Caswell does survive, however, as Sledge learns some weeks later. As the assault continues, the Japanese deliver a staggering artillery barrage—heavier than anything Sledge has before encountered. The heavy barrage continues...