What happens to members of the United States Armed Forces after they die? Why do soldiers endanger their lives to recover the remains of their comrades? Why does the military spend enormous resources and risk further fatalities to recover the bodies of the fallen, even decades after the cessation of hostilities? Soldier Dead is the first book to fully address the complicated physical, social, religious, economic, and political issues concerning the remains of men and women who die while serving their country. In doing so, Michael Sledge reveals the meanings of the war dead for families, soldiers, and the nation as a whole.
Why does recovering the remains of servicepeople matter? Soldier Dead examines this question and provides a thorough analysis of the processes of recovery, identification, return, burial, and remembrance of the dead. Sledge traces the ways in which the handling of our Soldier Dead has evolved over time and how these changes have reflected not only advances in technology and capabilities but also the shifting attitudes of the public, government, and military. He also considers the emotional stress experienced by those who handle the dead; the continuing efforts to retrieve bodies from Korea and elsewhere; and how unresolved issues regarding the treatment of enemy dead continue to affect U.S. foreign relations.
Skillfully incorporating excerpts from interviews, personal correspondence and diaries, military records, and journalistic accounts-as well as never-before-published photographs and his own reflections-Michael Sledge presents a clear, concise, and compassionate story about what the dead mean to the living. Throughout Soldier Dead, the voices of the fallen are heard, as are those of family members and military personnel responsible for the dead before final disposition. At times disturbing and at other times encouraging, they are always powerful as they speak of danger, duty, courage, commitment, and care.
Michael Sledge is a freelance journalist and writer who has extensively studied the sociology and psychology of the behavior of military personnel. Michael Sledge is a freelance journalist and writer. He has extensively studied the sociology and psychology of the behavior of military personnel. He lives in Boulder County, Colorado.
Read an Excerpt
While following press articles about how the return of remains is no longer open to the media, I realized that the main point was being missed. The real debate was not about whether we should be allowed to view the dead upon arrival but about how we, as a nation, note and commemorate the deaths of those killed in military service.
Table of Contents
Introduction 1. Why It Matters 2. Combat Recoveries 3. Noncombat Recoveries 4. Identification 5. The Return of the Dead 6. Burial 7. All Bodies Are Not the Same 8. Open Wounds Conclusion
What People are Saying About This
Jack Miles
Michael Sledge has produced a work of pathos, dignity and, not least, careful reporting on a subject that could not possibly be more timely.
— Jack Miles, author of God: A Biography
Harold G. Moore
This superbly researched, beautifully written book should be read by every person in Washington with authority or responsibilities associated with American military forces and their families. This is a history that begged to be written out of loyalty to and respect for the American military men and women killed during their service in war or peace. No area of interest is left unexplored. This is an extraordinary book, written with compelling empathy, candor, and compassionate sensitivity.
— Harold G. Moore, Lt. General, U.S. Army, Ret., coauthor of We Were Soldiers Once and... Young: Ia Drang-The Battle That Changed the War in Vietnam
