Chapter 15, End of the Agony Summary and Analysis

Sledge reflects on the combat of the previous weeks. Having seen so many replacements die so quickly at the front, he is thankful for having received thorough training during boot camp and infantry school. He states unequivocally that such training is necessary for survival in combat. He sees other veteran units, including veterans of Saipan and Tarawa. Over the next few days, many minor incidents occur and are related. The unstable officer Mac usually approaches holed-up enemies shouting memorized Japanese phrases such as "I will not harm you" (p. 334) before emptying his magazine into the cave or dugout. Finally, K/3/5 reaches the sea at the southern tip of the island. On the way, they often shoot small groups of disorganized, fleeing Japanese. Sledge notes that the Japanese also utilize a 320mm-spigot-mortar in the...