Gun-Totin' Chaplain: A True Memoir

by Jerry Autry

It is not often that a military chaplain publicly voices concern over a war, either past or present; but, in his latest book, retired Army chaplain Jerry Autry does just that. With insight sharpened by experience, and compassion kindled in the horror of battle, Chaplain Autry details the challenges, anguish and even the joys of a wartime pastorate. Gun Totin Chaplain, is the author's gripping chronicle of his year of duty in Vietnam. From the draft notice he received on his wedding day through airborne jump school and his subsequent time in Vietnam, the reader follows a man of peace as he ministers to men at war. During his year in Vietnam, Chaplain Autry spent more time in the field with the troops than in rear areas, a choice that vexed his superiors. His wartime experiences propelled him through a lifetime of comforting the afflicted and afflicting the comfortable. Assigned to the fable 101st Airborne Division in 1968, the author served as pastor to men of all faiths and in any unit that needed him, including Marine and Special Forces teams along with airborne infantry and artillery units. Chaplain Autry has been referred to as the most highly decorated chaplain from the Vietnam era, earning two Purple Hearts and nine awards for valor. His memoir downplays his own heroics, which were noted in a Time magazine article that dubbed him the gun totin chaplain during the war years. The author s memoir is followed by a sharply written epilogue containing his commentaries on the current war in the Middle East and its painful similarities to Vietnam. Gun Totin Chaplain is historical perspective at its best. Jerry Autry provides an authentic voice of experience as he remembers Vietnam, and a voice of reason as he reflects on Iraq and Afghanistan. This book is as timely as it is enlightening and a must have for informed readers.

301 pages, Paperback

First published December 27, 2006

Reviews

[Christopher Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting story of another side of the Vietnam conflict. Having not served myself (too young for Vietnam, too old for Iraq) it was very interesting to learn the life of a Chaplain in Military service during wartime. And an Airborne Chaplain at that.

If you're a history fan, or a warfare fan, this is a book that you should read. I've read many Vietnam conflict books, and this one served to fill in the puzzle of that complicated war. So many issues and sides in the war and the times. Protesters, and soldiers. Politicians and patriots. It seems a little more understandable after reading this book.

This book is an easy read, filled with stories that leave you wanting more. It would make a perfect television drama series, part M*A*S*H, part Tour of Duty.

If this book isn't already, it should be required reading for Chaplain school.

And to the author...Thank you and those who served with you, for your service.

[Pete · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book wasn't for me. I have tremendous respect for Mr. Autry's experiences and his service. I also enjoyed the book. I was looking however, for more information about the difficulty being a chaplain in the military and the obvious conflict that provides.