John Galvin (general) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Galvin
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Galvin in March 1991
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| Birth name | John Rogers Galvin |
| Born | May 13, 1929 Wakefield, Massachusetts |
| Died | September 25, 2015 (aged 86) Jonesboro, Georgia |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1954–1992 |
John Rogers Galvin (born May 13, 1929 – died September 25, 2015) was a very important general in the United States Army. He also served as the leader (called a dean) of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. Later, he was part of a special group called the U.S. Commission on National Security/21st Century, which helped think about America's safety in the future.
A Life of Service
John Galvin started his military journey in the Massachusetts Army National Guard from 1947 to 1950. After that, he was accepted into the United States Military Academy at West Point, a famous school for future army officers. He graduated in 1954.
During the Vietnam War in 1969, Galvin was a lieutenant colonel. He led a group of soldiers called the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, which was part of the 1st Cavalry Division. For his brave actions as a leader, he received the Silver Star award.
He continued his education, earning a Master of Arts degree in English from Columbia University. In 1971, he completed a special study program at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. Galvin kept moving up in the army ranks. He commanded (or led) the 24th Infantry Division. Later, he led the VII Corps from July 1983 to February 1985.
General Galvin had a special opportunity to lead two different major military commands. He served as the Commander in Chief of the United States Southern Command in Panama from 1985 to 1987. Then, he became the Commander in Chief of the United States European Command from June 1987 to June 1992. While leading the U.S. European Command, he also held a very important international role as NATO's Supreme Allied Commander, Europe (SACEUR). This meant he was the top military commander for NATO forces in Europe.
Personal Life and Legacy
John Galvin lived with his wife and they had four daughters. One of his daughters became a medical reporter for WAGA, a FOX TV station in Atlanta.
To honor his achievements, the Galvin Middle School in Wakefield, Massachusetts, is named after him. In 1997, the United States Military Academy at West Point gave General Galvin their Distinguished Graduate Award. He passed away on September 25, 2015, in Jonesboro, Georgia, at the age of 86.
