As they move out from Shuri Castle, the Marines encounter a group of Japanese POWs who refuse to move out of their way. Company K Marines are angry and eager to shoot them but are reminded of the Geneva Code, which officially disallowed the killing of prisoners. An admired corporal is hit and killed when they are back on the move. They proceed rapidly into open country and begin to check houses, huts and all former Japanese encampments that they pass. In one, they find an elderly woman who has been wounded, likely by an explosion, and whose infection has turned hideously gangrenous. A Marine shoots the woman and is reprimanded for killing a civilian.

As they proceed up the peninsula, supplies are airlifted to them. They have the chance to change into clean pants and shoes. They walk through empty towns and Sledge is almost hit by a hidden enemy gunner.

The troops are ordered out onto Kunishi Ridge, where carnage and constant shelling awaits them. Snipers are everywhere and impossible to locate. Most of the newly-arrived soldiers are killed. By the time Company K is relieved, their numbers have been decimated.