Legends…
In all organizations there are certain leaders who become legends. The legend of the modern-day airborne force is General Jim Lindsay. Throughout my 33-year career, I was blessed to be mentored by many of the very best troop leaders serving in the U.S. Army. The most enduring of those relationships was my experience with GEN Jim Lindsay over a period of almost 30-years. During my first assignment with the 82nd Airborne Division, Jim Lindsay was a hard charging CPT in the 505 ABG and I was a young LT in the 501 ABG, trying to learn as much as possible, as quickly as possible.This was also a time when I was trying to decide whether to make a career of the Army. In short,Jim Lindsay became my professional role model.Later, he was there for me when I was commanding an infantry battalion and he was there for me in brigade command, as well.Whenever I was faced with a tough decision, I would always fall back on basic Army values and ask myself, “What would Jim Lindsay do in this situation?” He never let me down!.
General Lindsay was a legendary leader to many of us. I remember he passed me once during an Army 10 Miler. He was jogging backwards.
Joe Harris
Joe, what a great memory of General Lindsay. He was as hard as steel and could run like a deer…LEGEND! AATW!!!
The best years I had in my 24 years in the Army were in the 82nd Airborne Division. Nothing like being surrounded by 120 men who all knew they were ready to deploy anywhere in the world, jumping into battle and win.
I remember Gen Johnson and always respected him for his coolness under pressure, his even temperament and vision.
Everyday they challenged me to be better.
I miss that life, but it’s not an old man’s game.
Tom McCollum
Tom, thank you for your kind words. It was easy to be calm when I knew I had hardened Paratroopers at the ready! Thank you for your service, and like you said, it is a new generation’s time to shine – and they are doing that! AATW!, De Oppresso Liber!, Jim
You learned well. I enjoyed my time in the Golden Brigade. You were my Brigade Commander when I was a SGT and when I was a Lieutenant. Thanks for your leadership.
Phillip Parker
Phillip, thank you for your generous comments. The Paratroopers of the Golden Brigade were always ready for any challenge! Thank you for your service, I was honored to soldier with you. AATW!, Jim
A true Airborne Legend! I’ll always remember General Lindsay’s unannounced visit as XVIII Airborne Corps CDR to my Company HQs to observe training. Fortunately, our unit was executing training as scheduled. He provided an invaluable lesson in Leadership. AATW!
General (Ret) Dennis Via
Sir, thank you for sharing your memory. General Lindsay had a knack for being in the right place at the right time, always leading by example! AATW!
Terrific note on General Lindsay. He was my Div CG. I was Asst Div Engr. Great leader.
Jack O’Neill
Had the honor to work with Gen Lindsay at the Infantry School and then later at MPRI. Great leader.
Doug McCreight