James Maurice Gavin (March 22, 1907 – February 23, 1990) was a distinguished senior officer in the United States Army, holding the rank of lieutenant general. He notably served as the third Commanding General (CG) of the 82nd Airborne Division during World War II. He earned the moniker “The Jumping General” due to his practice of participating in combat jumps alongside the paratroopers under his command. Remarkably, he holds the distinction of being the sole American general officer to undertake four combat jumps during the war.

Gavin’s exceptional career included becoming the youngest major general to lead an American division during World War II, achieving this rank at the age of 37. Following the war, in March 1955, he also became the youngest lieutenant general in the U.S. Army’s history at that time. Gavin’s service during the war was recognized with two Distinguished Service Crosses and numerous other commendations. Notably, he bucked tradition by personally carrying an M1 rifle, the standard weapon of enlisted U.S. infantry soldiers, instead of the customary M1 carbine carried by officers.

Beyond his military achievements, Gavin played a role in advocating for desegregation within the U.S. Army, earning recognition for his efforts in this regard. After his military career, he assumed the role of United States Ambassador to France from 1961 to 1962, continuing his dedicated service to his country in a different capacity.