Description
Signed by General James M. Gavin, the first edition of On To Berlin: Battles of an Airborne Commander 1943-1946.
Octavo, xiv, 336pp, [1]. Gray hardcover, red cloth spine. The first edition, second printing, with “Published in 1978 by The Viking Press” statement on the copyright page. Offsetting to endpapers from laid-in news article, solid text block. Includes 23 battle maps. In the publisher’s dust jacket, price clipped, chipping at head spine, a very good example.
Signed on the half title by General James Gavin, dated December 8, 1978.
General James M. Gavin (1907-1990), known as “The Jumping General,” served as a battalion and regimental commander in the 82nd Airborne Division during World War II. Gavin participated in major airborne operations, including the invasion of Sicily and Normandy, and Operation Market Garden. He was the youngest major general to command a division in combat during the war. Post-war, he held various high-ranking positions, including Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Administration. Gavin retired from the military in 1958 and later served as U.S. Ambassador to France. He passed away in 1990.
