Gerald J. Higgins
Gerald Joseph Higgins | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 29, 1909 Chicago, Illinois, US |
| Died | December 20, 1996 (aged 87) Riverside, California, US |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1927-1930 (Enlisted) 1934-1955 (Commissioned) |
| Rank | Major General |
| Service number | 0-19530 |
| Unit | Infantry Branch |
| Commands | 82nd Airborne Division Army Airborne School |
| Battles / wars | World War II |
| Awards | Silver Star Legion of Merit Bronze Star Medal |
Gerald Joseph Higgins (August 29, 1909 – December 20, 1996) was a highly decorated officer in the United States Army with the rank of major general. During the Second World War, he served consecutively as the Chief of Staff and Assistant Division Commander, 101st Airborne Division, making him the youngest general officer in the Army Ground Forces at the age of 34.
He began his career as an enlisted man, ultimately received an appointment to the United States Military Academy and completed his career as a major general and commander of the 82nd Airborne Division in 1952.