Cpl Gallagher was born in County Mayo, Ireland and came to the United States in 1962. A few short years later, while he wasn't even an American Citizen, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1965 and was deployed to Vietnam shortly thereafter. On the evening of July 18, 1966 while assigned to Company H, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, Cpl Gallagher's unit was attacked. During the fighting s
everal gr***des were hurled by the enemy into a fighting position shared by Cpl Gallagher and three other Marines. Cpl Gallagher kicked the first gr***de a safe distance away where it detonated. Shortly afterward another gr***de was landed in his fighting position. Without regard for his own personal safety, Cpl Gallagher threw himself upon the gr***de in an effort to shield his fellow Marines from certain death. That gr***de didn't explode until after Cpl Gallagher threw it into a nearby river. For his gallantry and exceptional bravery in the face of certain death, Cpl Gallagher was awarded the US Navy Cross, the second highest award for valor that a member of the US Marine Corps or Navy a servicemember can receive. On March 30, 1967, when Cpl Gallagher's unit was only days from coming home, he volunteered help repel another attack. During the fighting he was killed by small arms fire. Cpl Gallagher's story and sacrifice represent the very best that USS Patrick Gallagher's sailors strive to honor every single day.
