Sledge and other survivors board a ship, the Sea Runner, and are immediately depressed to see how few of their friends remain. Pavuvu, part of the Solomon Islands, looks like an appealing sight after the fighting at Peleliu. Sledge is shocked to find a Red Cross woman giving out juice and grapefruit there. K Company is praised by Sergeant David P. Bailey for their hard fighting. The men spend Christmas in a palm-thatched regimental chapel and have roast turkey. With warm beer and song, they celebrate New Year’s Eve.

Later, Sledge is called to report for an interview for an officer’s position, one that has the potential to move him out of imminent danger. During the interview, however, Sledge admits that he would not be able to command other men to fight in a battle in which he knew they would be killed. His friends tease him about botching the interview but Sledge insists he simply wants to be the best mortarman that he can.

Hepatitis breaks out among the troops and Sledge comes down with a serious enough case to take on lighter tasks. Drafted Marines begin arriving, causing some tension between those who enlisted and those who were conscripted. The mortar section acquires a new leader,