New Navy Destroyer To Be Named After L.I. War Hero

After a long campaign, Sen. Charles Schumer announced on Monday that one of the Navy's newest destroyer ships would be named after Long Island Marine Corporal Patrick “Bob” Gallagher.

Gallagher was an Irish immigrant from Ballyhaunis, County Mayo who settled in Lynbrook in 1962, volunteered on the senate campaign of Bobby Kennedy and later chose to serve in the Marines Corps before he was officially a citizen. While serving in Vietnam, Gallagher was awarded the Navy Cross, the nation’s second-highest military award, for his extraordinary heroism during a surprise attack he survived, in which he dove on a live grenade and saved his comrades from injury and death. Tragically, after receiving the Navy Cross directly from General William Westmoreland, Gallagher was killed in a firefight just days before the end of his tour of duty.

"There are few things more special than to know the story of Long Island’s Patrick Gallagher, an Irish immigrant who simply loved America — died for America — and will now be rightfully honored by America by having a US Navy destroyer adorned with his name," said Schumer. "And I can think of no better way to celebrate this St. Patrick’s Day than to say ‘slainte’ to the new USS Gallagher."

The ship to be christened the USS Gallagher is an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer. The ship is more than 500 feet long and can hold a crew of more than 300. According to the Navy, Arleigh-Burke class destroyers conduct a variety of operations from peacetime presence and crisis response to sea control and power projection. The USS Gallagher will be capable of fighting air, surface and underwater battles simultaneously, and will contain a combination of weapon systems designed to support maritime warfare.

"Lance Corporal Gallagher is an American hero," said Richard V. Spencer, the secretary of the Navy. "His exemplary service in defense of our nation and his strength and sacrifice leaves an example for all servicemen and women to emulate. His legacy will live on in the future USS Gallagher and his heroic actions will continue to inspire future Sailors and Marines."

In his announcement of the naming, Schumer detailed Gallagher's bravery in Vietnam. One night, during the first year of his tour in Vietnam, Gallagher was involved in a surprise attack by enemy fighters. While his fellow Marines slept, enemies invaded the area and lobbed grenades into the middle of their camp. Gallagher kicked a grenade away from the area in which his fellow Marines were sleeping. When another grenade followed, Gallagher threw himself on top of it in order to absorb the explosion and save the lives of his comrades. Using his quick wits, Gallagher was able to throw the grenade he was lying on into a nearby river, and escaped the situation without injury.

In 1967, Gallagher was killed in action on one of his last scheduled days in Vietnam. Though he was not yet a citizen, Schumer argued that the fact that Gallagher made the ultimate sacrifice for his adopted nation made this honor even more compelling.

Photo: A graphic illustration of the future USS Gallagher. Courtesy US Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Raymond Diaz