Jerry Curry is a man who might have become President if he had chosen politics instead of the military. His insights into politics and military strategy are particularly relevant to the current situation in Iraq and the lessons in leadership that he presents are of timeless benefit to any reader. His descriptions of combat in Vietnam are particularly fascinating. From Private to General: An African-American Soldier Rises through the Ranks is the inspiring true-life story of Jerry Curry a steel mill worker from the small town of Liberty Pennsylvania who enlisted in the Army as a young private and rose to the rank of major general a feat almost unheard of. Curry's gripping account of an African American man determined to succeed in a white-dominated culture facing the barriers of racism and elitism without compromising his values or becoming a victim while relying on God is inspiring to everyone. Most importantly this is a story of Christian convictions faith hope and love. The book takes Curry from post-partition Korea to Cold War Germany (where the threat of Soviet invasionkept everyone on edge) to the terrifying jungles of Vietnam to the halls of the White House and the Pentagon as the Commanding General for the District of Washington as Press Secretary to the Secretary of Defense and as Administrator of the National Traffic and Safety Administration. He shares fresh insights on trusting God racial harmony challenges in the military principles of leadership and the role of America in the world today.