University of Montevallo’s Carmichael Library to Host “Remembering the War in the Pacific”

September 29, 2025

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Carmichael Library at the University of Montevallo will host a series of talks titled “Remembering the War in the Pacific.” These will have special guests Henry Sledge, World War II podcaster, author and voice-over artist, Dr. Ruth Truss, professor of history and Dean of the Richard and Sandra Cummings College of Arts & Sciences, and Dr. Clark Hultquist, professor of history.

“We are honored to host Henry Sledge, younger son of Dr. Eugene Sledge, for a chat about Henry’s recently published book, ‘The Old Breed… The Complete Story Revealed: A Father, A Son, and How WWII in the Pacific Shaped Their Lives,’” said Truss.

Dr. Sledge taught at UM for almost 30 years, raising his family here, and many of the stories that Henry shares relate to memories of growing up in Montevallo and learning from an early age about his father’s experiences in World War II in the Pacific Theater.

This three-part series commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of the war in the Pacific was made possible by Michael and Donna Grainger, whose generous and continued support of UM is deeply appreciated.

The series will include three evening presentations on the war from the American and Japanese perspective:

Oct. 7, 6 p.m. ground floor of Carmichael Library: “A Conversation with Henry Sledge, With the Old Breed: Revisited.” Henry Sledge and Ruth Truss will discuss Henry’s book, “The Old Breed… The Complete Story Revealed.” Reception and book signing will follow in the library.

Oct. 14, 6 p.m., J.A. Brown Room, Carmichael Library: “Japan’s Road to War in the 1930s” with Dr. Clark Hultquist.

Oct. 21, 6 p.m., J.A. Brown Room, Carmichael Library: “Overview of the War in the Pacific, 1941-1945” with Dr. Ruth Truss.

Additional information and resources about “Remembering the War in the Pacific” and World War II can be found at this link.