Notable American World War II general (1907–1990) who commanded the 82nd Airborne Division during the pivotal Battle of Normandy. TLS, one page, 8.5 x 11, personal letterhead, December 1, 1971. Gavin writes to an admirer. In part: “I am glad that you saw ‘The Longest Day’ and that you enjoyed it. I thought it was a very accurate portrayal of that historic day. In your letter you asked whether or not I thought the assault would be successful at the time that we landed. Of course, we all thought it would be a success or we would not have undertaken it. There was considerable concern about the weather and for the parachutists there was some concern 24 hours after landing because many of us had not yet met the amphibious forces…. General Eisenhower was of the belief that, even though the assault would be costly, it had a high probability of success, which indeed it did…. The war itself was one that had to be fought. At its end we came on concentration camps—the 82nd Airborne Division liberated one—that were increasing in size…. I think we should be grateful to the many veterans who participated in the liberation of Normandy and the final resolution of that very costly war….” In very fine condition. R&R COA.
