Support a new documentary on the Ernie Pyle story

WTIU Public Television plans a new, in-depth 60-minute documentary titled “Ernie Pyle’s War” on the life and work of one of IU’s and America’s most celebrated and beloved journalists. 

A native of Dana, Indiana, Ernie Pyle progressed from being a “cub” reporter in northern part of the state after leaving Indiana University, to covering our country’s most tumultuous events in the 30s and 40s. 

Pyle first chronicled the trials and triumphs of average Americans as he traveled from coast to coast during the Great Depression. As WWII broke out, his firsthand reports from the foxholes of Europe and Japan provided vivid accounts of battle and the trials of war through the eyes of the common foot soldier. More than 40 million readers sought comfort in the plainspoken words of the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist. 

Known best for his war coverage, Pyle also battled personal demons of alcoholism, depression, illness, and a stormy, complex marriage—a war both within and without, on the battle front and the home front. 

Your generous gift will be directed towards research, time, and travel to create a beautiful and informative documentary that will shine a light upon Ernie Pyle’s contributions to journalism and the shaping of our national story. After broadcast in central Indiana in late 2019 the documentary will be offered statewide to all Indiana public television stations, and to PBS and American Public Television for national broadcast distribution.