The Soldier Who Kept a Diary in Morse Code

During the march across France after D-Day, a young American sergeant named Eugene Sledge kept a diary written entirely in Morse code in his pocket notebook, so that if he were captured the Germans wouldn't be able to read it. His diary contained not just military observations but deeply personal reflections on the men he served with — their fears, their humor, their humanity under the worst conditions. One entry read: 'Saw Jenkins today. He's still whistling that same tune from England. Three months now. Same tune. Makes the whole company feel like we're all in the same band.' The diary was eventually donated to the Auburn University archives.