The Herald-Courier

James Gillen named to State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame


Sen. Patrick

Gallivan has named Navy veteran James Gillen, of Warsaw, to the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame. 

Gillen served from 1944 to 1946 as a Seaman Second Class. He is also the author of a book honoring World War II veterans from Wyoming County. 

Gallivan presented Gillen with the honor Tuesday, June 14.

“James Gillen is a member of the Greatest Generation who served our country with pride and distinction,” Gallivan said. “As a teenager, he answered our nation’s call to defend freedom around the world. Mr. Gillen has also helped to ensure we will never forget the more than 100 World War II veterans from Wyoming County who paid the ultimate sacrifice.  

“His hard work and exhaustive research is a tribute to these brave individuals. I thank James for his service and for his commitment to his fellow veterans.”

As a 17-year-old senior at Warsaw High School, Gillen was eager to support the war effort. He skipped school one day in February, traveled to the Federal Building in Buffalo and joined the U.S. Navy under the Delayed Enlistment Program. After graduating from high school in June of 1944, he departed for boot camp in Jacksonville in August.

Gillen attended the U.S. Navy Technical Training Station at Norman, Oklahoma and served as an instructor at Florida’s Jacksonville Naval Air Station, teaching 50-caliber machine gun training for future aerial gunners. He transferred to the U.S. Navy Auxiliary Air Station at Modesto, California, where he was part of a team effort practicing night carrier landings for cadet pilots. 

After the war with Japan ended in September 1945, Gillen served at Ford Island Naval Air Station at Pearl Harbor. He also served aboard the USS Saratoga as an Aviation Ordnance man until his discharge from the Navy in June 1946.

In 2019, Gillen authored the book “WWII Gold Star Veterans of Wyoming County, New York,” which honors the lives of 103 service members who were missing or killed in action during the war. It includes short biographies of every service member who died, along with several others associated with the county. 

With the help of the Wyoming County Historian’s Office, Gillen dedicated years of his life going through records and newspapers in order to write the book. He connected with veterans’ families who shared stories, military records and photographs.

The New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame honors and recognizes outstanding veterans who have distinguished themselves in military and civilian life. Each honoree’s photograph and biography will become part of a special online exhibit commemorating the contributions of the exemplary New York veterans.  



Sen. Patrick Gallivan, left, presents Warsaw resident James Gillen with the NYS Senate Veterans' Hall of Fame award. Photo provided

Sen. Patrick Gallivan, left, presents Warsaw resident James Gillen with the NYS Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame award. Photo provided

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