A SHIP FOR PATRICK!
BOB’S BOAT WILL SAIL!!
Thank you for coming to visit with us, we are Friends of USS PATRICK GALLAGHER.
We have known her since she was the first cuts of steel, we visited her when it was time to celebrate the laying of her keel, we watched as she grew to the amazing ship she is today, and we’re glad to have you with us, as she now prepares to be launched christened and welcomed into the US Navy Fleet as
Allow us to introduce you to Patrick Gallagher, a young Irishman from Ballyhaunis Co. Mayo, in the north west of the country, who emigrated to America in 1962, coming to live with his Aunt in Lynbrook on New York’s Long Island, found work as in carpentry, learned about Real Estate, took nighclasses studying Law, and volunteered with Robert Kennedy’s Senate campaign canvassing for votes!
They say that Ballyhaunis is the center of everything in their part of Ireland, and considering its size it has certainly punching above its weight for the amazing hospitality of its community, how they honor & respect those that went before, and how well they have done over the years to move around the world, building businesses and friendship every where they land! Growing up on his family farm, school in the village and roaming the countryside, he learned how to get along, to tell stories & help others as Mayo folk do!
You’re never to far away to come home to Ballyhaunis!
February 19th , 1967, the second highest military award, presented to Cpl Patrick Gallagher by
General William Westmoreland, Commander of U.S. Forces in Vietnam.
General Westmoreland met Patrick the morning he came to their base to encourage the Corps, offer them thanks for the hard job being done and to highlight unique acts of selfless courage that Marines had taken to save lives of those they fought with, kept up their squad when the going was tough, and won the day when a path to success wasn’t always clear. In every situation, the citations that accompanied each medal and were read out before being awarded, described decisions that changed history, the course of a fight, or the lives of fellow Marines. The highest of these awards presented to Marines is the Navy Cross.
Of the 3 million who served in Vietnam during the War, fewer than 500 Navy Cross medals were awarded
Below is the citation that accompanied the Navy Cross awarded to Cpl Patrick Gallagher.
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War Service: Marine Corps Rank: Lance Corporal
Battalion: 2d Battalion Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.) FMF
GENERAL ORDERS:
Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lance Corporal Patrick Gallagher (MCSN: 2170557), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as an ammunition carrier in a machine-gun team with Company H, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, near Cam Lo, Republic of Vietnam, in the early morning of 18 July 1966.
The company was set in defensive positions at 0145, when enemy soldiers who had infiltrated the area threw a grenade into the position which Lance Corporal Gallagher and three other Marines were manning. Lance Corporal Gallagher, awake and displaying keen presence of mind, immediately kicked the grenade out of the position where it exploded at a safe distance.
Another enemy grenade followed and landed in the position between two of his comrades. Without hesitation, in a valiant act of self-sacrifice, Lance Corporal Gallagher threw himself upon the deadly grenade in order to absorb the explosion and save the lives of his comrades.
The other three Marines moved to safety while two other grenades landed in the position and exploded, miraculously injuring no one. Lance Corporal Gallagher’s Squad Leader then ordered him to throw the grenade into the nearby river where it exploded upon hitting the water.
Through his extraordinary heroism and inspiring valor in the face of almost certain death, he saved his comrades from probable injury and possible loss of life. His daring actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
As Irish Luck would have it, turns out there are lots of Mayo Men out in the world and without a doubt they were all working to get Bob’s ship! Quick review, the idea of lobbying to have the US Navy name a ship for Patrick began in an Irish Pub in Dallas! A native of Ballyhaunis living stateside, recounted his tale and early memories of the Gallaghers’ loss and Patrick’s bravery.
That chat turned into a website, facebook page and an online petition.
Supporters joined the efforts from VFW, AOH, NAVY and along the way squadmates of Patrick, Sergeant & Officers that were in the field, all older now but delighted to assist in the cause. A big push from the NY Congressional Delegation, a new ship added to production and the kind efforts of Secretary of the Navy Spencer, and we were on our way! Sen Schumer surrounded by Patrick’s extended family in NY announced the designation of DDG 127 as the Ship to bear Patrick’s Name!
This summer, the Gallagher family will return to Bath ME,
to witness & celebrate the christening and launch of USS Patrick Gallagher
The greatest challenge was also the best part of this project to remember Patrick “Bob” Gallagher and getting to know everyone that became involved, shared, posted, spoke about, made phone calls and encouraged each other to stay focused on the goal!
Patrick’s family in Ireland were unsure how or why there was a sudden interest in what had become a private family burden shared it seemed only in their community. The link to Ballyhaunis was Martin Durkan, an enterprising young chap from the same village, intent on flying planes and seeing the world who found himself based in Dallas for a time as he built his flight hours.
On occasion, Martin enjoyed an expat Irishman’s favorite treat, a full Irish Breakfast at an Irish Pub in Dallas where he got to know the Proprietor Marius Donnelly – a man from Malahide, Co. Dublin that had emigrated himself years before and settled with his family in Dallas – Fort Worth! They shared stories & news from home over the “best coffee” in the metroplex whenever Martin flew through.
Marius tells of the week that the village of Ballyhaunis came up in conversation with locals – a flat tire on the road beside the village sign on a vacation, then a man that came to visit Dallas with GAA to help build the local club who hailed from outside of the town, then along came a whiskey maker, himself a Ballyhaunis emigrant who brought his wares to show the Publican, each time mentioning this small town, when asked So, whereabouts in Mayo?
This was the same week that Martin stopped in, and upon hearing of the fame of his home town Marting shared the story about young Patrick Gallagher, a man from Ballyhaunis who had been awarded a Navy Cross for bravery, and then the later tragedy of his loss only 6 weeks later in the ambush. It was that conversation that started them on the mission to remember his courage under fire, his fortunate survival, and then his ultimate sacrifice in the USA’s service.
Within the county of Mayo there were eight other families that suffered a loss in the same war, in Ireland there were 49 who died, the idea was born to lobby for a Ship, an active, vibrant memorial of those that had served their adopted country, and fell some 45 years or more before, to be named in Patrick’s honor and in memory of all who had served and their Irish families that had lost them.
Its a long way from Ballyhaunis To Bath, especially when the road less traveled routes through Washingnton DC!
We gathered just under 10,550 petitioners support, had service members from Ireland, USA, UK, Canada, both retired and active duty, fraternal organizations that spoke locally to lodges and churches and aided in the signature gathering. On the links below a new page will open with galleries of people & places that made a difference!
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