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

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 man of mixed race who enlisted as a private at the age of eighteen and went on to become a general and, after his retirement, to serve three 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.

General Jerry Curry is a decorated combat veteran, Army Aviator, Paratrooper and Ranger who has served his country both in the military and as a Presidential appointee for nearly forty years. He served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense in the Carter Administration, as Press Secretary to the Secretary of Defense in the Reagan Administration, and as Administrator of NHTSA in the first Bush Administration. Along the way, by going to school at night, he earned a bachelors degree from the University of Nebraska/Omaha, an M.A. in International Relations from Boston University, and a Doctorate from Luther Rice Seminary. Dr. Curry has served on the Board of Directors of the Greater Washington DC Board of Trade, the USO, the American Red Cross, was a Trustee of the Federal City Council, and an ex-officio member of the National Research Counsel’s Executive Committee, Transportation Research Board. In 1982 he was named Washingtonian of the Year. Jerry and his wife Charlene live high up on the southern slope of Bull Run Mountain in Northern Virginia. The Currys have four children, seven grandchildren and one great grandson.