Hoping to launch the 'U.S.S. Gallagher'

The momentum is growing for those who wish to honor an Irish veteran of the United States Marine Corps who made Lynbrook his home before he fought and perished in an act of heroism during the Vietnam War, as a petition to name a United States Navy ship in his memory now has more than 3,000 signatures.

Lance Corporal Patrick Gallagher was born on February 1, 1944 in the Irish town of Ballyhaunis. When he was 18, he emigrated from the Emerald Isle, settling in Lynbrook. Four years later, in 1966, he was drafted into service during the Vietnam War and joined the United States Marine Corps, officially shipping out to duty as an ammunition carrier with an infantry unit in April of that year.

Gallagher never returned from Vietnam, as he was killed in combat on March 30, 1967, after being shot while on patrol in the town of Da Nang. During his time in the service, however, he made a sizable impact, receiving the Navy Cross, the second highest military honor that can be bestowed on a member of the United States Navy or Marine Corps.

He earned that award in 1966, when he risked his life to save other members of his company. While the other soldiers slept one night in July of that year, four enemy fighters infiltrated the Marines' camp and threw grenades on top of the squad. Gallagher risked his life to absorb the blast, saving many of his fellow soldiers in the process.

"Four of them had been manning a defense post at Cam Lo near the border with North Vietnam, when it was attacked by Communist forces. Patrick kicked a grenade out of their position before it exploded” read he citation for the Navy Cross he was later awarded. "Another enemy grenade followed and landed in the position between two of his comrades. Without hesitation, in a valiant act of self-sacrifice, Corporal Gallagher threw himself upon the deadly grenade in order to absorb the explosion and save the lives of his comrades.”

After receiving the award, Gallagher wrote home to his mother and the rest of his family in Ireland, hoping to get in touch with them before member of the press. He had yet to inform his family that he had even joined the fighting, much less that his valiant actions had saved lives.

“I hope you won't be too mad at me for the news I got for you,” his letter began. “When I was at home last year I had my orders for Vietnam when I went back to the U.S. I have been in Vietnam since last April (1966) and I will be leaving here in 60 days. Now don't get worried. Everything is going just fine here and I am enjoying it very much."

Gallagher's actions made him a hero both in New York and abroad. Then senator Bobby Kennedy wrote to his family, praising Gallagher for his bravery.

“Courage is rightly esteemed as the first of all human qualities because it is the one that guarantees all others,” Kennedy wrote in his letter to the family, quoting Winston Churchill. “This courage Corporal Gallagher gave to all of us. To him and to his family are due the thanks of a humbly grateful nation.”

When his casket returned to Ballyhaunis, it was given a hero's welcome, complete with an honoring ceremony and parade. Now, each year in his hometown, a Gaelic footbal tournament, titled the Gallagher Cup, is played at his grammar school. Teams of young students compete in the event, fighting for the honor. The tournament is now in its 40th year, and is a major hallmark each year for the school.

A ship in his honor

Now, his family and supporters are seeking one more honor. In 2017, the United States Navy is scheduled to commission a new Destroyer Class DDG warship, and a petition has been started to name the ship after Gallagher. To date, it has already received more than 3,100 signatures since it was posted online earlier this year.

“My brother was a terrible loss for our family,” said his sister, Pauline Gallagher, who expressed gratitude for the support that the drive to honor her brother has received. “He has never been forgotten by our neighbors and the community where we grew up and attended school.”

Gallagher's family aren’t the only ones calling for an honor. Neil Cosgrove, a Vietnam veteran and a resident of upstate New York, wrote a lengthy letter to U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, asking the senator to support upgrade Gallagher's Navy Cross to a Medal of Honor, the highest award a military member can receive.

“I believe that the actions of Lance Corporal Gallagher on that night in Viet Nam embody both in action and in the spirit the very definition of why the Medal of Honor was established,” he wrote in part. “To do right by an adopted son of New York and America, I request that you and your colleagues introduce legislation directing the Pentagon to review Lance Corporal Patrick Gallagher’s unselfish and heroic actions on the night of 18 July 1968 with consideration to upgrading his Navy Cross to the Medal of Honor.”

To sign the petition, visit www.ipetitions.com/petition/patrickgallagher