The same family tree as referenced earlier also records William Sledge as a member of Company A, 11th Alabama Cavalry. Again, I can't vouch for their accuracy. This may be a different man. Eugene B. Sledge's other great grandfathers were listed on the tree as follows:

Unknown Harris - born abt 1840 - no locations or death date
Dr. Lewis DeLafayette Sturdivant - 1830-1860
John H. Wesley Rush - 1833-1905. On 1860 census, northern division, Macon County, AL

A young grandfather might also be considered:
Robert Minthorne Woolsey Sturdivant - born abt 1850, Selma - died 1898, Birmingham

Begging the indulgence of the webmaster, I have a personal connection. Dr. Eugene B. Sledge was my biology professor at Alabama College (University of Montevallo). As a history major, I approached his class with some fear and trepidation, for biology was thought to be the means chosen by the administration to rid the college of History, English, and Music majors with no appreciation for a true well-rounded education. My fears were not misplaced. Dr. Sledge was tough, but ultimately fair, and I celebrated a passing grade by selling my biology book and using the proceeds to buy beer to celebrate.

After watching last night's episode #7 of "Pacific" on HBO, I again came away in awe of what Dr. Sledge and his fellow Marines endured. Having read "With The Old Breed", a book I consider to contain one of the most accurate depictions of actual combat I have ever read, I could not imagine that a televised depiction of his story of the fight on Peleliu could possibly convey the savagery of that battle. It did.

I salute a worthy Alabamian.

Rick Bryant