From Private to General: An African American Soldier Rises Through the Ranks

by Jerry Curry

From Private to General is the exciting story of an American general who learned the real source of his power and authority. God’s sustaining power was at work in the life of Jerry Curry from his early days in the Pittsburgh Steel Foundry through the many adventures that would follow, leading him into the places of highest authority in the land. It is the story of a young African American man who enlisted as a private at the age of eighteen and went on to become a General and after his retirement, to serve four Presidents. His tour of duty took him to Korea, Vietnam, Europe and Washington and many places in between, where he faced great danger and challenge. Most importantly, it is the story of Christian convictions, faith, hope and love.

Genres: Nonfiction

352 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2006

Reviews

[Gary Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mostly enjoyed the General's time in combat and the personal struggles he endured to enhance his chances at promotional career opportunities to optimize his success in his chosen profession. The politics of an ascendant military career were no surprise to me, but the restraint and discipline necessary to be successful and to meet the various challenges was somewhat revelatory. It takes a certain kind of individual to navigate the political/military landscape of a career in uniform. I found this reading to be encouraging and inspiring as I reflected on the what-ifs of missed opportunities in my own life to make a career of the military. "From Private to General" is an American success story, draped in all the pathologies and strengths of our American society with the prevailing message that it can be done. Only in America do we see a lowly enlisted man with all the right stuff, rise through the ranks of the military bureaucracy while side-stepping political career-ending landmines to achieve the responsibilities and success of our nation's top military leadership. My compliments to the good General (R.I.P. ) and his loving, supportive family for an inspirational telling of the American Dream.