James Lawrence Gantt
Brigadier General, U.S. Army

James Lawrence Gantt was born on 26 December 1888 in Summerville, SC. Gantt's early education was completed in 1904 at the Porter Military Academy in Charleston, SC.

Gantt enlisted in the State National Guard in 1905 and was steadily promoted. In 1916, as Captain in Command of the Sumter Guards, he served on the Mexican border, returning to Charleston in 1917, when his company was inducted into federal service.

He served in France and Belgium, with the famous 30th ("Old Hickory") Division in World War I. On the reorganization of the Sumter Guards, he again commanded it until in 1926. He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel of Infantry and became Assistant Chief of Staff, Personnel Section (G-1) of the 30th Division. For 11 years he was the mainstay of this Division, composed of officers and men from four states. His untiring efforts and capable judgment helped the Division to establish a highly credible record as a fighting unit in World War II.

Promoted to Colonel in 1937, he commanded the 105th Quartermaster Regiment. His ability and dedication made it one of the best Regiments mobilized into federal service in 1940. Selected to organize and activate the 26th Quartermaster Salvage Depot, he operated it in Australia and New Guinea.

For two years he was Executive Officer of the Utah Service Depot at Ogden, UT. In November 1946, he was promoted to Brigadier General and detailed as Assistant Commander of the 51st Infantry Division. He held this position until he elected to retire after 42 years' service.

He returned to private life and worked at the Geer Drug Company in Charleston, SC.

Death and Burial

Brigadier General James Lawrence Gantt died on 30 November 1962 in Charleston, SC. He is buried at Old Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church Cemetery in Charleston, SC.