World War II Database

Contributor: Bryan Hiatt

ww2dbaseBorn in 1907 in Brooklyn, raised in Pennsylvania, James Gavin joined the US Army at age 17. By 1929, Gavin graduated from West Point, and later became the first commander of the 505 Parachute Infantry Regiment. Gavin is perhaps best known as the commander of the 82nd Airborne Division during World War II.

ww2dbaseAccording to one biography, “Jumping Jim” Gavin “led assaults on Sicily and on Salerno Bay, Italy, in 1943, reaching the rank of brigadier general, and jumped with the parachute assault section of the division on the first night of the Normandy Invasion (June 5-6, 1944). Elements of Gavin's section took the town of Sainte-Mère-Église and guarded river crossings on the flank of the Utah Beach landing area.” He continued to lead the 82nd through the end of the war.

ww2dbaseAfter the war, Gavin played a major role in Army research and development, advocating the use of the helicopter in combat. He also served as ambassador to France (1961-1963). An author as well, Gavin penned Airborne Warfare (1947) and On to Berlin (1978) about his experiences in Europe.

ww2dbaseGavin died in 1990.