WW II General’s Daughter Shares Memories of Her Father

The public is welcome to a brunch at St. Stephen’s Church on Sunday, Nov. 8, when Barbara Gavin Fauntleroy will share memories of her father, Gen. James M. Gavin, one of the foremost combat commanders of World War II. This pre-Veteran’s Day event will take place in St. Stephen’s North Hall, 351 Main St., Ridgefield, CT, at 11:45 a.m. Although there is no admission charge, attendees are asked to make reservations by Nov. 4 by calling the church office at 203-438-3789.                                                                   

Mrs. Fauntleroy bases her memories on letters her father wrote to her during his service in Northern Africa, Italy, France, Germany and Holland from 1943-1945 when he was Commanding General of the 82^nd Airborne Division. The letters were later compiled in a book, The General & His Daughter.                          

Gen. Gavin, also known as “Jumpin’ Jim” because he participated in combat drops with paratroopers under his command, took a leading role in some of the most momentous operations of the war, including the Battle of the Bulge and the Invasion of Normandy. At the end of the war he was chosen to lead the victory parade in New York City. One newspaper account of the parade wrote: “If you were there you saw at the head of this mighty column the youthful, slim, gallant figure of the youngest division commander in the United States Army, 38-year-old . . . James M. Gavin.”                                                       

His letters to his daughter are instructive about his combat experience, but they are also filled with humor and are touching for his obvious love for her as well as his troops.   He wrote to the family of every U.S. soldier killed. In one letter to Barbara he says, “I have an awful heap of [condolence] letters to write. It is a very deep tragedy, and no doubt a lasting one, to an American family to lose a son or brother.”                                                                                                                                                            

Gen. Gavin played a central role in integrating the U.S. military, beginning with his incorporation of the all-black 555^th Parachute Infantry Battalion into the 82^nd Airborne Division. After the war he was the Army Chief of Research and Development, and upon retiring from the U.S. Army he was recruited by Arthur D. Little, Inc., a research and development firm, and eventually served as its president and chairman of the board. He also served as Ambassador to France under President John F. Kennedy.