In Memory On Memorial Day

Lieutenant Patrick Gallagher from the Bronx, New York

By Ray O'Hanlon

Readers are familiar with Patrick Gallagher, the Mayo native and United States Marine who gave his life in Vietnam for his adopted country and in whose name a navy destroyer is currently being built in Maine.

But there was another Patrick Gallagher who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam. He was Patrick Gallagher from the Bronx.

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Patrick attended Holy Rosary School until 1958. He graduated with the Class of 1962 from Power Memorial Academy and subsequently graduated from Providence College in 1966. He would enlist in the Marines in December of that year for active duty and officer training.

Patrick had been in the Marine Reserves prior to going active duty for Marine Corps officer training. He graduated from Basic School Training in April 1967 with the 42nd Officer Candidates School Class. After further training he was issued orders for Vietnam.

Patrick arrived in Vietnam and was assigned to 1st Platoon, Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division.

As a Second Lieutenant Gallagher was leading his platoon on route to reinforce the Marine base at Con Thien. He died of a gunshot wound to the right upper chest from enemy rifle fire during a firefight near a North Vietnamese Army fortification, about five kilometers South of Con Thien (Hill 158) during Operation Fortress Sentry.

Patrick had served his country for 9 months and 13 days. He was 23 years, 11 months and 3 days old.
Lt. Gallagher was buried October 9, 1967. He rests in Calvary Cemetery, Queens, New York.

On this Memorial Day we honor Patrick Gallagher from the Bronx New York, and Patrick Gallagher from Ballyhaunis, County Mayo. We honor all Irish Americans who have given their lives for their native country, all immigrant Irish who have given their lives for their adopted land, and all Americans who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the peace, security and freedom of the United States of America.

 

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