Franklin unveils statue honoring Coach Jimmy Gentry, local WWII heroes

Franklin officials, veterans, community leaders, and Sculptor Scott Wise joined members of the family of Coach Jimmy Gentry unveiled a statue honoring both Gentry and the more than 3,500 Franklin residents who served in World War II at Five Points. The project started by Leadership Franklin coincided with the 79th Anniversary of the Liberation of Dachau by Gentry’s unit. A celebrated local teacher and coach, Gentry wrote a book titled An American Life detailing his experiences in the war from mustering at Franklin’s Five Points to the death of his brother – one of 600 Franklin residents killed in action – to his heroic actions as a liberator. The book was turned into a film “An American Adventure,” which was screened as the Franklin Theatre.