Soldier Dead: How We Recover, Identify, Bury, and Honor Our Military Fallen

by Mike (Michael) Sledge

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.

Genres: Military Fiction, Nonfiction, American History, Unfinished, Military History

376 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Cindy Moy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soldier Dead was carefully researched and well-written. From a mental and emotional standpoint, I found it a difficult read. I had to put it down for a few days between chapters to gain some distance from the trauma that was being discussed. I read this book while doing research for my novel, about an Indian-American Muslim Congresswoman who accidentally becomes the U.S. President, and it was helpful in giving my character, who is based on an actual Marine lawyer who served in Iraq, an event in which to bond with the people with whom she was serving. Every person in Congress should have to read Soldier Dead before voting on whether to get involved in yet another war.

[Rev. Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be helpful in trying to understand just how deep the pain is for mothers who lose children in the military to prepare for presenting a talk at a Blue Star Mothers Tea in honor of Gold Star Mothers. -- Will not talk about this topic during the talk, but it will help me in knowing how to address a very difficult topic. ---- From the publisher: 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. Why does recovering the remains of service people matter? Soldier Dead examines this question and provides a thorough analysis of the processes of recovery, identification, return, burial, and remembrance of the dead. The author relates the treatment of enemy dead to our own protocols and shows how unresolved issues regarding the handling of enemy dead continue to affect U.S. foreign relations in wartime. 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 and how the living strive to find balance in a new life without the physical presence of a comrade, father, mother, brother, sister, son, or daughter. Throughout Soldier Dead, the voices of the dead 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.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Includes history and facts about the remains of American war dead, with examples from the Civil War to current conflicts. The author organizes the book by topic and chapters begin with snippets of quotes from classical literature and poetry. Because the topic is hard to read about, the book should carry a warning label. However, the author also highlights normally unsung heroes—those who do the hard work the rest of us have never thought about.

The book is well researched, organized, and written, but near the end, the author’s opinions on various topics diffuse the book's focus.

[Brian Andrewsone · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading this it reminded me so much of taking chance. From the bereaved families, to the men who brought the bodies home. The politics we have to go through sometimes just to get them home.

[C 4Greve]

In this descriptive and informative tribute by Michael Sledge commemorates deceased soldier and the dedication of the soldiers who would do anything to retrieve their dead. The soldiers who retrieve the fallen are more than willing to risk their lives in order to regain their combat members. Soldiers returning to an old combat site face many "dangers" including but not limited to "mines", "booby traps", and "treacherous conditions" (16). The dedication of these soldiers is impossible to estimate and serves as an astonishing example of potential sacrifice. The terrain of foreign places and old battle sites can cause even the most experienced troops to stumble. The soldiers look for "greener grass", a "depression in the ground", or any other indication that a deceased comrade may be nearby (1). These indications are commonly found in areas that have been decimated and are now unrecognisable. The main goal is to provide a sense of closure to all who knew the deceased. Families are "informed promptly" and shipped the remains as they are arranged in a "respectable manner" (14). The care and preservation of the deceased have been extremely important to every serviceman, to the army, and to family members. This process allows for an unparalleled experience and closure process that will provide comfort to fellow soldiers, friends, and family.

[Jason Pastor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Has a ton of interesting info, especially on the WW2 graves registration unit.
The one think I disliked was the constant use of the term 'soldier dead.' I found it very awkward and stilted, and it broke up the flow of the sentences.

[Phillip Gallegos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, informative, and sad. Like "On Killing", this book give the reader more insight into the gears of war. There is more to it than what is seen in the daily news...