Customer Reviews

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

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There is a popular quote by George Orwell which goes something like "People sleep well in their beds because rough men go out and do violence on their behalf." We need to be grateful that people like Curry, endowed with both superior character and intellect, served in our armed forces. Curry does us all proud, and his book is a testament to the best of what the United States is about.

This book is an enjoyable read with an inside look at military life from the General's professional and personl life. Teacher's should take note! This would be excellent material for a character education segment of curriculum. It's riveting and heartfelt with a lot of perserverance against all odds thrown in. Your students will be inspired to be excellent and hard working.

A great read from start to finish. If you enjoy history, the military or stories of personal success, this book is for you. General Curry personifies what it is to be an American, and his book elucidates this perfectly. As an American you can accomplish anything by dreaming big, working hard and following after God.

Todd Morrisson

A Hundred Feet Over Hell: Flying With the Men of the 220th Recon Airplane Company Over I Corps and the DMZ, Vietnam 1968-1969

Jerry Curry's autobiography, From Private to General, is a salutary lesson in the triumph of the human spirit. Perhaps the two most important points it teaches are the stupidity of judging a man on the basis of his heritage, and the value of commitment, hard work and integrity. Any one of his accomplishments is worthy of praise: warrior-aviator, army general, federal administrator, opera singer; that he succeeded in each is the mark of a true Renaissance man. If you are looking for inspiration, From Private to General is just what the doctor ordered - a classic tale of one man's determination to succeed against the odds. Jerry Curry is an American of whom we should all be proud.

The story of Gen. Curry is inspirational. He describes some of the obstacles he faced in the military because of his ethnic background from the viewpoint of an overcomer, rather than a victim. His integrity and courage stand out. His faith in God is part of the story, but his wife's book, "The General's Lady," gives much more detail on the spiritual side of their family.

The extraordinary journey of an extraordinary man! What a great read!

General Curry's life is the penultimate example of a life well lived, an American success story of the highest caliber. His book is no exception. It is a quick and interesting read--filled with wisdom, insight and inspiration. Add it to your reading list today!

Some men are born to greatness and from his childhood, Jerry Curry was destined for great things. With a lot of hard work and determination everything that Jerry set his hand to do was successful. I found "From Private to General: An African American Soldier Rises Through the Ranks" an interesting read from a enlisted point of view. Many times we enlisted men are blind to the difficulties that officers have to deal with. Often when talking with my twin brother who is a "West Point" graduate we discussed how politics often are a part of advancing in rank. What is the old adage; "It isn't what you know, but who you know." And this is so very true of those who compete for higher rank.

On the down side, I felt that many times instead of reading an autobiography, I was reading a dissertation on the evils of racism. There are many powerful lessons that the American culture had to learn since the abolition of slavery. We must learn from our mistakes or be doomed to repeat them. But even with the cards stacked against him, Jerry Curry, by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ was able to overcome and advance. Is not this after all is the primary mission of the military; to overcome and advance.

Writing a book review is a serious undertaking, especially for the prospective reader of that book and its author. Both want fairness, insight and relativity within the review. As I read Jerry Ralph Curry's From Private to General, I saw all three elements throughout the book, but those were not the only qualities present. There was love, vision, wisdom, courage, common sense, intelligence, determination, self-control, compassion, understanding, and later grace, plus several more I'll get around to.

The younger Jerry had a swift and effective education, a receptive heart, and a spirit of thinking outside the box--any box he was ever placed in. From his early childhood he understood there was a challenge with every step. From his courage to squarely face those challenges, to excel in schools, to his huge step to become a Boy Scout and then an Eagle Scout, Jerry's effective learning and development stage set the course of his life. His parents, extended family, teachers, counselors, friends and neighbors contributed to an eager learner. He did not give up or give in, no matter what the challenge. Early in the book, he wrote about his scouting days, where he took the Boy Scout oath as his credo and the scout's law his personal guide. Their effect on his manner and style are evident throughout his book.

I'll tell you plainly that it was difficult to ever put this book down. I stopped to sleep and to eat, and became impatient when interrupted. You will agree when you read this book that integrity was prominent and always present in Jerry's life. He joined the army to help fight in Korea, but events moved him in a different, defining direction. From his early military years he showed a keen desire to learn, participate, command and to direct. Those opportunities were not always given; he earned with hard work, skill, and determination everything he ever acquired.

This infantry officer's long climb to the rank of major general included flying both fixed and rotary wing aircraft, combat operations duties, combat command, combat leadership, and major staff and command duties in Europe and Asia. Later he worked and excelled in politics and government. With each step you learn from a dedicated son, soldier, husband, father, and a great America. Yes, I place Jerry Ralph Curry in a place of honor as an exemplary citizen soldier. My high regard is based not only upon his own excellent record, but also on my own life experiences, a twenty-three year army experience, and twenty-two years of government service.

Get a copy of General Curry's book, and you will enjoy it. With the final page ending you, too, will have a deeper respect for this soldier.

I had gotten "The General's Lady" by General Curry's wife and enjoyed it so much I got this book. Both are equally good. I can recommend both books highly. Both are full of faith. Two of the best books I've ever read. Both really give you an appreciation of the sacrifices of military families.

Major General Curry had a very interesting life - 2 tours in Vietnam, jump qualified, qualified to be a pilot and was in the Army Rangers. And, though neither he or his wife dwelt too much on troubles caused by racism, both give you an appreciation of the troubles African Americans have had to deal with (and are still dealing with), and a little bit about how he and his wife managed to overcome some of obstacles put against some minorities.