This presentation focuses on the life and literary works of Illinois author James Jones (1921-1977). The premise is that Jones himself experienced a concept he coined and wrote about in major WWII literature called "the evolution of a soldier." It is a process by which those in the U.S. Armed Forces are trained to fight the country's wars and conflicts and how that process affects individuals - especially when they return to civilian life. This presentation sheds light on Jones' well-known novels, From Here to Eternity , The Thin Red Line , and Some Came Running , as well as the man himself.