Hugh Joseph Gaffey

Hugh J. Gaffey

Major General Hugh Joseph Gaffey
Born November 18, 1895(1895-11-18)
Hartford, Connecticut
Died June 16, 1946(1946-06-16) (aged 50)
Godman Field, Kentucky
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Army
Years of service 1917-1946
Rank General
Commands held 4th Armored Division
Battles/wars World War II

Hugh Joseph Gaffey (18 November 1895 – 16 June 1946) was Chief of Staff for General George Patton's Third Army during World War II.

Contents

Biography

Born in Hartford, Connecticut, he graduated from Worcester Academy in 1916 and later attended Officers Training School at Fort Niagara, New York State, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Field Artillery Reserve on 15 August 1917. Assigned to the 312th Field Artillery at Fort Meade, Maryland, he went to Europe in August 1918 and served in France and Germany before returning to the United States in August 1919. During the next two decades he served at various posts in the United States and served with the 15th and 18th Field Artillery and the 7th Cavalry Brigade. Assigned to the I Armored Corps in July 1940, he served with them until July 1942 when he was assigned to the 2nd Armored Division. Appointed Brigadier General 5 August 1942, he was sent to the European Theater in November; and, in April 1944, he was designated Chief of Staff for General Patton's 3d Army fighting in France. He then assumed command of the 4th Armored Division in December. Major General Gaffey was killed in a B-25 Mitchell crash at Godman Field, Kentucky.

Namesake

The U.S. Navy transport ship USNS General Hugh J. Gaffey (T-AP-121) was named in his honor.

See also

Biography portal
United States Army portal

References

This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.