Who Is Ernie Pyle? Age, Biography and Wiki
Ernie Pyle was born on August 3, 1900, in Albia, Iowa. He became one of the most celebrated American war correspondents during World War II, known for his first-person reporting from the front lines. Pyle's writing captured the human experience of soldiers and gave a face to the war beyond mere statistics. Tragically, he was killed in action on April 18, 1945, on the island of Ie Shima in the Pacific Theater, making his contributions to journalism even more poignant. His legacy lives on, impacting generations of journalists and writers.
| Occupation | Journalist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 3, 1900 |
| Age | 44 Years |
| Birth Place | Dana, Indiana, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | India |
| Date of death | 18 April, 1945 |
| Died Place | Iejima, Okinawa Prefecture, Empire of Japan |
Popularity
Ernie Pyle's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Though specific measurements for Ernie Pyle in 2025 may not be applicable due to his passing in 1945, his physical attributes during his lifetime are often noted. Pyle was approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighed around 170 pounds. His modest and unassuming appearance contributed to his relatable persona, resonating deeply with the American public.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Ernie Pyle was married to Geraldine Pyle, his college sweetheart, whom he wed in 1925. They shared a profound partnership, with Geraldine often playing a supportive role in his writing career. Their relationship, built on mutual respect and love, faced challenges due to the demands of Ernie’s profession, often leaving her alone as he traveled to cover conflicts. As of 2025, Ernie's personal relationships are a testament to his dedication to both his family and his craft.
His parents were Maria (Taylor) and William Clyde Pyle. At the time of Pyle's birth his father was a tenant farmer on the Elder property. Neither of Pyle's parents attended school beyond the eighth grade.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, Ernie Pyle’s estimated net worth was modest by today’s celebrity standards, largely due to the nature of his work as a journalist rather than a commercial writer. His earnings from his reports and the book deals from collected works contributed to a comfortable living for him and Geraldine. Today, his literary contributions are invaluable and continue to influence media and journalism, earning him a lasting place in history.
Reinforcing his status as the dogface G.I.'s best friend, Pyle wrote a column from Italy in 1944 proposing that soldiers in combat should get "fight pay," just as airmen received "flight pay". In May 1944 the U.S. Congress passed a law that became known as the Ernie Pyle bill. It authorized 50 percent extra pay for combat service.
Pyle's most famous column, "The Death of Captain Waskow," written in Italy in December 1943, was published on January 10, 1944, when Allied forces were fighting at the Anzio beachhead in Italy. The notable story also marked the peak of Pyle's writing career.
Career, Business and Investments
Pyle began his journalism career writing for local newspapers and eventually moved to larger publications, gaining recognition for his unique storytelling style. During World War II, he worked for the Scripps-Howard newspaper chain, where his front-line reports created an emotional connection with readers back home. In terms of investments, Pyle was primarily focused on his journalistic endeavors and did not engage in business ventures like many contemporary celebrities. His legacy continues through various awards and honors named in his memory, celebrating budding journalists.
Pyle left school in January 1923 with only a semester remaining and without graduating from IU. He took a job as a newspaper reporter for the Daily Herald in La Porte, Indiana, earning $25 a week. Pyle worked at the Daily Herald for three months before moving to Washington, D.C., to join the staff of The Washington Daily News.
Social Network
As a figure of historical importance, Ernie Pyle continues to be celebrated on social media platforms and various historical forums. His writings are often shared, and discussions about his contributions to war reporting can be found across Twitter, Facebook, and even Instagram. His legacy is preserved in numerous historical societies and museums dedicated to remembering journalists and their impact on war.
At the time of his death in 1945, Pyle was among the best-known American war correspondents. His syndicated column was published in 400 daily and 300 weekly newspapers nationwide. President Harry Truman said of Pyle, "No man in this war has so well told the story of the American fighting man as American fighting men wanted it told. He deserves the gratitude of all his countrymen."
Education
Ernie Pyle graduated from Indiana University in 1923, majoring in journalism. His educational background laid the foundation for his writing career, allowing him to nurture the skills that would later define his impactful reporting style. His commitment to education and journalism inspires many budding journalists today who look to his work for motivation and guidance.
Pyle, an only child, disliked farming and pursued a more adventurous life. After graduating from a local high school in Bono, Helt Township, Vermillion County, Indiana, he enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve during World War I.
Pyle began his training at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, but the war ended before he could be transferred to the Great Lakes Naval Training Station for additional training.
