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John Gerald graduated from Sumter High School in 1934 at the age of 15. Because of his scholastic attainments he earned scholarships to the University of South Carolina, Wofford College and Furman University, and availing himself of the first-named, he studied for two years at the University of South Carolina. In 1936 he received two nominations to the U.S. Military Academy.

He entered West Point on 1 July 1936 and was graduated there in the Class of 1940, standing 125th in a class of 449. Having chosen the Cavalry, he was sent to the Cavalry School at Fort Riley, Kansas on 1 August 1940 and later served at various posts, including a term at the Gunnery School at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

After service at Fort Knox, he was sent to Camp Cooke, California; there he was promoted to the rank of Captain, and served there as Chief Defense Counsel of several courts martial within his division. In 1943 he was ordered to the area of maneuvers in Tennessee and there received his Majority. In August 1943 he was ordered to the Command and General Staff School at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, for a special course of study. Upon graduation from the C.&G.S. School on 11 November 1943.

He was killed during a patrol.