Capt. Andrew “Ack Ack” Haldane Character Analysis in With the Old Breed

A veteran of the illustrious battles of Guadalcanal and Gloucester, Company K’s commanding officer on Peleliu is deeply beloved. Sledge describes Haldane as “the finest and most popular officer [he] ever knew,” capable of inspiring deep trust in his subordinates as well as his superiors. Characterized by a mix of intelligence, courage, and compassion, Haldane is an extraordinary leader, committed to his men’s physical safety as well as their emotional well-being. He makes Company K feel like a family and a home to all of its members, showing a sincere interest in his men’s lives. He dies in action on Peleliu, three days before Company K leaves the island. His death causes profound grief not only in Sledge but in all the members of Company K, who have grown to see Haldane as a parental figure, capable of keeping them safe and happy.

Capt. Andrew “Ack Ack” Haldane Character Timeline in With the Old Breed

The timeline below shows where the character Capt. Andrew “Ack Ack” Haldane appears in With the Old Breed. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Sledge describes another much-admired officer: Company K’s commanding officer, Capt. Andrew “Ack Ack” Haldane. Haldane takes the time to get to know each of his men individually. During a... (full context)

...war, Douglas simply says that he wants to help. He mentions that he knows Captain Haldane, and everyone agrees that he is the best company commander. (full context)

...even in the most difficult circumstances. More importantly, though, he is equal to “Ack Ack” Haldane in terms of excellent leadership, courage, and solidarity. (full context)

...night, when Sledge is sent to bring water to the company’s command post, he sees Haldane deeply concentrated, looking over a match with a small flashlight. Sledge then hears him ask... (full context)

...their very own. The man who killed Bill then goes to admit what happened. After Haldane interrogates Sledge, the officer tells him that this was nothing but a tragic mistake and... (full context)

...distraught look on his face. Sledge feels sick when he hears the news: “Ack Ack” Haldane is dead. Sledge describes this moment as the worst grief he felt during the war.... (full context)

On October 15, three days after learning about Haldane’s death, Company K is relieved by army troops. Sledge and his comrades are exultant. They... (full context)

...of malaria. This severs the last tie the men had to their beloved officer Capt. Haldane, and Sledge recalls this as a demoralizing turning point on Okinawa. When this commanding officer... (full context)