Courage, Compassion, Marine
The Unique Story of Jimmie Dyess
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There are very few who have the instinctive ability to motivate and inspire people to do their very best to achieve a worthy goal, despite the obstacles, dangers, pain or exhaustion. Some would call it innate leadership; others might label it charisma, charm, personality or magnetism. Whatever it was, he had it in spades. He was an enthusiastic Boy Scout and worked diligently to obtain the rank of Eagle Scout. He was clearly a leader by the time he graduated from The Academy of Richmond County in Augusta at age eighteen---many felt that his leadership skills were well developed at even an earlier age. He perfected these skills through the years so that when he led eight hundred men into combat, he was the epitome of a combat leader. His name was Jimmie Dyess. His homes were North Augusta, South Carolina, Augusta, Georgia, Clemson College and the United States Marine Corps. This is his story.
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About the Book
The heroism of Marine Lieutenant Colonel Jimmie Dyess is a story for the ages. I highly recommend this book to young people looking for a positive role model, for veterans of all the military services and for those who love history.
Sergeant First Class Sammy Davis, Medal of Honor recipient
The story of Jimmie Dyess is both remarkable and unique. He earned the Carnegie Medal for extraordinary civilian heroism when he was a teenager. Sixteen years later, he received the Medal of Honor as a result of his heroism in combat. No other individual has received both awards. This book not only tells the Dyess story, it examines the dimensions of heroism.
Walter Rutkowski President, Carnegie Hero Fund Commission.
The pattern of the life of Jimmie Dyess was remarkable: an Eagle Scout, a recipient of the Carnegie Medal and the Medal of Honor. Herein you will meet a man of valor and benevolence with a fundamental commitment to service above self.
Medal of Honor recipient, Hal Fritz, President, Congressional Medal of Honor Society
For his extraordinary bravery in the rescue of a drowning woman, Clemson undergraduate Jimmie Dyess received America’s top civilian award for heroism, the Carnegie Medal. Sixteen years later, Marine Lieutenant Colonel Dyess led his battalion into combat. He went behind enemy lines to save four wounded Marines. The next day, Dyess was shot and killed. For his exemplary valor and leadership in combat, he received the Medal of Honor. May Jimmie Dyess’s life of service and self-sacrifice be an inspiration to all.
About the Author
Major General Perry M. Smith, US Air Force, retired, is a West Point graduate who later earned his PhD in International Relations from Columbia University. During his military career, Smith commanded an F-15 fighter wing, served as the Air Force’s top planner and was Commandant of the National War College. His published books include, Assignment Pentagon, Rules and Tools for Leaders and How CNN Fought the War.