In April 1943, when the campaign in North Africa was coming to an end, he was promoted to the two-star general officer rank of major general and a month later became commanding general (CG) of the 2nd Armored Division, replacing Major General Ernest N. Harmon. At the age of 47, Gaffey was one of the youngest division commanders in the U.S. Army at the time.
In April 1943, as the North African campaign neared its end, he received a promotion to the rank of major general and took command of the 2nd Armored Division a month later, replacing Major General Ernest N. Harmon. At age 47, Gaffey was among the youngest division commanders in the U.S. Army at that time.