Ernie Pyle – The Voice Of G.I. Joe

Ernie Pyle was one of the greatest reporters in American history. after writing one of the most popular and widely published newspaper columns in the USA, he became the voice of the average infantry soldier during World War II. In this role, Ernie Pyle became legendary.

The Second World War was covered by a number of brilliant journalists. Edward R. Murrow broadcast brilliantly from the rooftops of London, William L. Shirer personally witnessed the entry of Hitler into Austria and Walter Cronkite tirelessly covered the War for the United Press. Each filed memorable reports that helped Americans better understand the War.

Meanwhile, Ernie Pyle carved out an unforgettable niche for himself. Instead of covering the “big picture” of the War, Pyle traveled alongside the infantry. He became what we today would call an embedded journalist. Marching alongside the average G.I. Joe – a term he helped popularize – Ernie Pyle reported the “little picture.” He recorded the daily gripes and fears and small moments of humor encountered by the foot soldiers marching through Italy and then Germany. Millions of Americans read his column every day. His prose was crisp and observant and caring and sardonic.

When the War ended in Europe, Ernie Pyle went to join the forces preparing to invade Japan. On Okinawa, Ernie Pyle was killed by a sniper. The grief felt by his millions of readers and the entire Army was all but immeasurable. Tributes flowed from the President, from the leaders of the American military and from journalists around the world. Perhaps the simple plaque erected by the soldiers who had marched alongside him would have been his favorite memorial. It read:

At this spot

The 77th Infantry Division 

Lost a buddy.

ERNIE PYLE.

18 April 1945

To this day, Ernie Pyle’s unique life, unforgettable writing, and tragic death place him in the pantheon of great correspondents. The School Of Journalism at Indiana University is named for Ernie Pyle and a number of books and a movie have helped keep his memory alive. Even Snoopy would regularly hist a can of K-Rations on the anniversary of Ernie Pyle’s death on the island of Okinawa.

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