James Jones

James Ramon Jones (November 6, 1921 – May 9, 1977) was an American author known for his explorations of World War II and its aftermath. Jones was born and raised in Robinson, Illinois, the son of Ramon and Ada M. (née Blessing) Jones. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1939 and served in the 25th Infantry Division before and during World War II, first in Hawaii at Schofield Barracks on Oahu, then in combat on Guadalcanal, where he was wound... more

James Ramon Jones (November 6, 1921 – May 9, 1977) was an American author known for his explorations of World War II and its aftermath. Jones was born and raised in Robinson, Illinois, the son of Ramon and Ada M. (née Blessing) Jones. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1939 and served in the 25th Infantry Division before and during World War II, first in Hawaii at Schofield Barracks on Oahu, then in combat on Guadalcanal, where he was wounded in action. His wartime experiences inspired some of his most famous works. He witnessed the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, which led to his first published novel, From Here to Eternity. The Thin Red Line reflected his combat experiences on Guadalcanal. His last novel, Whistle, was based on his hospital stay in Memphis, Tennessee, recovering from surgery on an ankle he had reinjured on the island.see "[James Jones on Guadalcanal]" by RJ Blaskiewicz, War Literature and the Arts His second published novel, Some Came Running, had its roots... less