Anton Renkl Gallaher

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Anton Renkl Gallaher, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BANG (SS-385), on the SECOND War Patrol of that submarine during the period 6 June 1944 to 17 July 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Marianas Islands in the South China Sea. Through his experience and sound judgment Lieutenant Commander Gallaher brought his ship safely back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Cross to Anton Renkl Gallaher, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BANG (SS-385), on the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine during the period 7 August 1944 to 27 September 1944, off Formosa in enemy controlled waters of the South China Sea. During this dangerous and aggressively patrol of his submarine, Lieutenant Commander Gallaher skillfully penetrated a strong enemy escort screen to launch torpedo attacks which resulted in the sinking of enemy vessels totaling 24,000 tons. His skillful evasive tactics enabled him to avoid severe enemy counterattacks and through his experience and sound judgment Lieutenant Commander Gallaher brought his ship safely back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 335 (February 1945)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Navy Cross to Anton Renkl Gallaher, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BANG (SS-385), on the FOURTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 25 October 1944 to 5 December 1944, off Formosa in enemy controlled waters of the South China Sea. Aggressive and determined, Lieutenant Commander Gallaher boldly launched a series of brilliantly planned and executed attacks which resulted in the sinking of a number of Japanese vessels and the damaging of others. A superb seaman, cool and courageous in carrying the fight to the enemy at every opportunity, he inspired his gallant officers and men to heroic efforts in the successful fulfillment of a vital and hazardous mission. His skillful evasive tactics enabled him to avoid severe enemy counterattacks and through his experience and sound judgment Lieutenant Commander Gallaher brought his ship safely back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 341 (August 1945)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Anton Renkl Gallaher, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BANG (SS-385), on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine during the period 29 March 1944 to 14 May 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Luzon Straits. Through his experience and sound judgment Lieutenant Commander Gallaher brought his ship safely back to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.