Connnecting Points

When I finished the story's end in October 2007, I wanted to reconnect with Phil to tell him the good news just before Veteran's Day. I searched for him and uncovered the devastating news as I read In Memoriam on Airborne Press. I wrote Airborne Press about Phil and it was Jerry who replied to me. (Airborne Press had published Phil's book Rhymer in the Sunset - A Combat Soldiers Poetic Perspective on the Vietnam Experience.) Jerry's e-mails were encouraging during that time.

One of the letters I received this year was from Don S., he was the Company Commander when Alpha Company left Fort Campbell in December 1967 and landed in Vietnam. The 7-page handwritten letter from Don is priceless (along with the other writing he gave me). Don shared his memories with me and mentioned Jerry. I've realized I need to share the bigger story that I've received so here's a portrait of Jerry through Don's eyes:

Jerry Autry - Our Battalion Chaplain. A "Gun-Totin Chaplain" (the title of his book). And he was. The most decorated for Valor chaplain of the Vietnam War, including a Silver Star and two Purple Hearts. It tells you something about the intensity of combat our Battalion experienced. He came to us in the middle of the carnage of Operation Carentan II in April 68 (named after Carentan I - the 101st Airborne Division air assault at Normandy). We were and are brothers in war and in spirit. When I finally gave up command of Alpha Company in mid-May and became the Battalion Adjutant I had to force him to spend some time in the base camp ministering to the soldiers there instead of spending all his time with the rifle companies. He is truly an extraordinary being and one of the great Army Chaplains of all time. Somewhere along the way he developed this strong affinity for Alpha Co. We consider him one of us. Jerry is also an accomplished and successful author. His book on General Lee, the father of the Airborne, first Commander of the 101st and one of the greatest true leaders in Army history is a masterwork of photos and text. He and General Lee are native sons of Dunn, NC. General Lee's home is now a small visitor's center and museum. Jerry's book sales helped create it. It's a very special place filled with the spirit of a great and good man and his wife. The Airborne artifacts and the Lee's furnishings are priceless. Jerry, by the way, a great paratrooper like his hero, General Lee, was Division Chaplain of the 82nd Airborne Division.

BOOKS by Jerry Autry:
General William C. Lee: Father of the Airborne : Just Plain Bill

Gun-Totin Chaplain