96-year-old World War II veteran joins the Legion

James Galvin proved that a veteran is never too old to join The American Legion.

The 96-year-old World War II Army Air Corps veteran is now a member of Jamaica Plain (Mass.) Post 76. His induction ceremony was held a few months ago at Atria Marina Place in Squantum, where he is a resident, in front of those who wanted to honor his service – family, friends, elected officials and members of the Massachusetts American Legion Family.

Past National Commander Jake Comer presented Galvin his new blue cap.

“The American Legion is the largest veterans organization in the world and to be a member of The American Legion you must have served during war time,” Comer told The Quincy Sun. “James, we revere you. We are very proud of you.”

“I always wanted an American Legion cap and now I have one,” Galvin told The Quincy Sun.

Comer played a significant role in making Galvin a Legionnaire and one whose dues will always be paid for by the department. “We wanted Jim to be a member of The American Legion because The American Legion is the organization that wrote the GI Bill back in 1943,” Comer told The Quincy Sun. “It was all because the men and women coming back from World War II did not have many benefits. They did not have college educations so The American Legion said, ‘We’ll make that happen.’ And We did.”

Galvin served as a B-24 gunner with the Flying Horsemen of the 449th Bomb Group. His squadron flew 50 missions over Germany and France during World War II. Galvin is a recipient of the French Legion of Honor, the highest decoration bestowed in France.

Department of Massachusetts Commander Mike Davis presented Galvin with a certificate of appreciation for his military service, and proclamations were delivered from Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch’s office and the Massachusetts House of Representatives, and a citation was offered by Councilor-at-Large and Sons of The American Legion Squadron 294 member Noel DiBona.