Robert Oswalt Character Analysis in With the Old Breed

Before the assault on Peleliu, Sledge chats with fellow Marine Oswalt about life after the war. Oswalt plans to be a neurosurgeon, because of his fascination with the human brain. However, he dies on Peleliu before having the opportunity to realize his dream. Sledge uses this story as an example of the terrible waste that war entails, as it destroys a nation’s most promising lives.

Robert Oswalt Character Timeline in With the Old Breed

The timeline below shows where the character Robert Oswalt appears in With the Old Breed. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Sledge then chats about what he wants to do after the war with his companion Oswalt, whom Sledge admires for his intelligence. Although Oswalt says he plans to be a neurosurgeon,... (full context)

The next day, Sledge learns that his friend Robert Oswalt has been killed, and concludes that the war is a waste of important human lives.... (full context)