I wanted to share a bit about a ‘hero’ of mine (for lack of better words). I am a student of journalism and love the work and character of Ernie Pyle. Ernie Pyle was a journalist most influential in his coverage of the front lines of World War II.
Pyle started as a roving reporter traveling and writing to his readers sharing his experiences abroad. Pyle was also an aviation reporter in the early days of flight.
The reason Pyle was so loved by his readers was the personal approach he took in his reporting and interviewing. He was soft spoken and a great listener and his interviewees very easily opened up to him. In his personal style of writing he set his readers in the same place and experience he was witnessing himself. His vivid, intimate reporting style found its highest purpose in war corresponding.
With the war taking place overseas many families were sending their sons, brothers and husbands to far away places and wanted to feel connected to them. Pyle provided that connection.
Pyle’s reporting was more intimate and more focused on the daily lives of the troops than it was on the victories, movements and generals. He would often comment on the strangeness of war. Those back in the U.S. needed that connection to their loved ones.
While reporting on the war Pyle lived and traveled with the troops on the front lines. Pyle and the troops developed a affectionate relationship.
Reporting on the front lines has its risks and after doing tours in Italy, Africa and all over Europe Pyle went on to report on the war in the Pacific and was killed by a Japanese machinegun bullet that went through his helmet. At the time of his death, Pyle was so loved by the American public that it is felt by many that his death overshadowed the death of President Roosevelt just six days before.
You must read his work. Here are some samples:
Posted by H.N.Hernandez 
From the Porch 