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Gerard M. Devlin

Born

in Waltham, Massachusetts, The United States

August 09, 1933

Died

November 11, 2016

Genre

Military History

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Gerard Devlin was born to Ann and Patrick Devlin of Waltham, Mass. When the Korean War started in 1950, he joined the U.S. Army at the age of seventeen. Upon completion of basic training and jump school he volunteered for Korea where he served with the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team.

Devlin stayed in the Army after Korea. In the years between his tour in Korea and his two tours in South Vietnam he earned a bachelor's degree and attended Officer Candidate School. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Infantry in 1958. Devlin also attended the Army language institute where he learned Vietnamese.

Gerard Devlin served two tours in South Vietnam. One as chief advisor to the famed 44th 'Black Tiger' Vietnamese Ranger Battalion, who Gerard Devlin was born to Ann and Patrick Devlin of Waltham, Mass. When the Korean War started in 1950, he joined the U.S. Army at the age of seventeen. Upon completion of basic training and jump school he volunteered for Korea where he served with the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team.

Devlin stayed in the Army after Korea. In the years between his tour in Korea and his two tours in South Vietnam he earned a bachelor's degree and attended Officer Candidate School. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Infantry in 1958. Devlin also attended the Army language institute where he learned Vietnamese.

Gerard Devlin served two tours in South Vietnam. One as chief advisor to the famed 44th 'Black Tiger' Vietnamese Ranger Battalion, whom he accompanied to the field on their combat patrols, guiding their tactics and supporting with air and artillery assets. During this tour Jerry received the terrible wounds, from which he was not expected to recover.

He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions on 13-14 October, 1965 when he had to take command of the Ranger Battalion while it was under heavy enemy attack The same action in which he was so badly injured.

After a year's hospitalization and another lengthy recovery period, Jerry Devlin resumed active duty. He returned to Vietnam for a second tour in 1967, serving with the 25th Infantry Division.

Gerard Devlin served 20 years in the U.S. Army from 1950-1970. He retired with the rank of Major.

Among his decorations, Major Devlin is a recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross, five Bronze Stars (with the V device), the Purple Heart two Vietnam Crosses of Gallantry, Ranger Tab and the Combat Infantryman's Badge with star (2nd award).

After retiring from the US Army, he became an airborne and military historian and author of three books: "Back to Corregidor: America Retakes the Rock" (1992),

"Silent Wings: The Saga of the U.S. Army and Marine Combat Glider Pilots During World War II" (1985)

"Paratrooper: Saga of Parachute and Glider Combat Troops During World War II" (1979)

In 1995 Major Devlin was inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame at Fort Benning, Georgia.

He passed away on November 11th, 2016, at the age of 83. Appropriately enough Veterans Day. ...more

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Gerard M. Devlin’s books

Average rating: 4.27 · 60 ratings · 6 reviews · 3 distinct works • Similar authors

	Paratrooper! The Saga Of Parachute And Glider Combat Troops During World War II 4.30 avg rating — 33 ratings — published 1979 — 14 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Silent Wings: The Saga of the U.S. Army and Marine Combat Glider Pilots During World War II 4.16 avg rating — 19 ratings — published 1985 — 6 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Back to Corregidor: America Retakes the Rock 4.09 avg rating — 11 ratings — published 1992 — 2 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

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Gerard M. Devlin’s Followers (1)

Gerard M. Devlin

Combine EditionsGerard M. Devlin’s books

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Combine Editions
Gerard M. Devlin’s books