James Maurice Gavin left for war in April 1943 as a colonel commanding the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division-America's first airborne division and the first to fight in World War II. In 1944, "Slim Jim" Gavin, as he was known to his troops, at the age of thirty-seven became the 82nd's commanding general-the youngest Army officer to become a major general since the Civil War. At war's end, this soldier's soldier had become one of our greatest generals-and the 82nd's most decorated officer.
Now James Gavin's letters home to his nine-year-old daughter Barbara provide a revealing portrait of the American experience in World War II through the eyes of one of its most dynamic officers. Written from ship decks, foxholes, and field tents-often just before or after a dangerous jump-they capture the day-to-day realities of combat and Gavin's personal reactions to the war he helped to win. And provide an invaluable self-portrait of a great general, and a great American, in war and peace.
The book's more than 200 letters begin at Fort Bragg in 1943 and continue to December 1945, as Gavin came home to lead the 82nd at the head of the Victory parade in New York. This correspondence constitutes the majority of Gavin's private wartime letters, but except for rare appearances in regimental newsletters, it has never before been published.
In her Introduction, Epilogue, and Notes, Barbara Gavin Fauntleroy gives a privileged glimpse of the private man. Edited by Gayle Wurst, the book features historical overviews by Starlyn Jorgensen, a preface by noted Gavin biographer Gerard M. Devlin, and a foreword by Rufus Broadaway, Gavin's aide-de-camp.

About the Author
Barbara Gavin Fauntleroy is the mother of three children, Barbara, Steven, and Jim. She lives with her husband in Ridgefield, Connecticut.

Reviews
"General Jim Gavin was one of the foremost combat commanders of World War II. He was also the father of a young girl who was only nine years old when he left home, and he worked hard to stay connected to her through these letters. They are touching and highly personal, even as they give us a remarkable view of some of the century's most momentous events. Writing from foxholes and airplanes, muddy tents and castles, he was a teacher, historian, stategist and loving father. In this volume-a gift for historians and general readers-Barbara GAvin Fauntleroy is an articulate and sensitive guide to the personal life of a great warrior who also happened to be her Dad." -- -Ed Ruggero author of Combat Jump: The Young Men Who Led the Assault into Fortress Europe, July 1943; The First Men In; U.S. Paratroopers and the Fight to Save D-Day "The General and His Daughter reveals the true personality and provides enormous insight into the incredible courage, integrity and selfless service of Jim Gavin. This personal World War II account of the road from North Africa to Berlin is a fascinating story of a combat leader, whose character and commitment are the standard by which airborne leaders will be measured for generations to come." -- -James H. Johnson, Jr. Lieutenant General, US Army, retired "A magnificent book that for the first time reveals the true character of a man who has become a legendary figure in Airborne circles. He set the standard for future Airborne commanders to follow." -- -James Megellas author of All the Way to Berlin "The General and His Daughter: The War-Time Letters of General James Gavin to His Daughter Barbara (Mar., $27.95) by Barbara Gavin Fauntleroy and Starlyn Jorgensen, edited by Gayle Wurst, portrays the 82nd Airborne Division, the first to fight in WWII." -Publishers Weekly "These letters by a legendary World War II warrior general provide an incredible display of devotion, fatherly concern and above all love for his young daughter. Given the multitude of challenges he faced on a daily basis, first as a regimental and then a division commander, deeply involved in some of the most intense combat of World War II, it's amazing that he found time to write them. The letters also provide an insight into a side of Jim Gavin very few people ever saw. Fascinating reading." -- -James J. Lindsay Former Commander 82nd Airborne, XVIII Abn Corps and US Special Operations Command "Captures that day-to-day realities of combat in Europe and presents Gen. Gavin's immediate, personal reactions to the war he helped win." -New Canaan Advertiser "Provides a unique insight into the personal life of one of America's greatest military commanders... Barbara's narrative, which contains a great deal of little-known information about the general's early life and military career, is fascinating." -- -Phil Nordyke author of All American All the Way: The Combat History of the 82nd ABD in World War II



Book Information
ISBN 9780823226870
Author Barbara Gavin Fauntleroy
Format Hardback
Page Count 284
Imprint Fordham University Press
Publisher Fordham University Press