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The USS Gallagher is officially happening and I am truly stunned by the outcome. This moment belongs to all of you who cared enough to get behind this legacy. We finally ensured that Patrick Gallagher will be honored exactly as he deserves.

September 13, 2017

SUCCESS! The USS Gallagher was officially named this morning!

SUCCESS! The USS Gallagher was officially named this morning!

🏆 Won — 9,606 supporters Verified

Final supporters

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Patrick M.
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Someone
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Antonio C.
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Thomas N.
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Conor L.
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David J.
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Mark G.
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John S.
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William S.
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Damien M.
+9,596 more
SO
Started by Supporter Of Gallagher Petition 12 years, 9 months ago

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND CONTINUED INTEREST!

March 2022 - Keel laying ceremony scheduled - Patrick's family will be on hand to sign the Keel and allow the production to progress with a launch estimated in 18 months +/-!

Nov 2018 - First steel is cut for the ship's construction!

March 18th 2018 at the direction of the United States Secretary of the Navy Spencer, DDG 127 the newest Arleigh-Burke Class Guided Missile Destroyer has been named USS GALLAGHER! Senator Schumer of New York, surrounded by Patrick Gallagher's family & supporters of this petition announced the Secretary's decision this morning March 12th at the USS Intrepid Museum in New York City!

What: We, the undersigned, respectfully request that the Secretary of the Navy direct that a DDG class ship scheduled to be procured in or after 2017, be named in honor of Corporal Patrick "Bob" Gallagher, USMC, Navy Cross, of Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo, Ireland (KIA ~ Da Nang 1967)

This request is in keeping with the traditional naming conventions of naming Destroyers (DDG) after U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, or U.S. Coast Guard heroes, and this would coincide appropriately with the 50th year anniversary of Patrick's death in action.

Please Note:This petition site is hosted and maintained by volunteers. Patrick's direct family are the only contacts for media inquiries, background or additional information. The Patrick Gallagher website http://www.patrickgallagherusmc.info/ will forward any requests, and the family will respond directly as appropriate. We appreciate your support today, and for learning more about Patrick's life.


Who: Lance Corporal Patrick "Bob" Gallagher was awarded the Navy Cross for bravery, having been drafted into the service of his adopted country, he willingly served. While under fire Patrick Gallagher showed his extraordinary heroism and inspiring valor in the face of almost certain death, he saved his comrades from probable injury and possible loss of life. His daring actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Why Is This Important:

Cpl Patrick Gallagher, an Irishman immigrant on a green-card who lived, worked & attended school in New York prior to being drafted, (including canvassing for Senator Robert Kennedy), chose service over walking away, and offered himself to protect others. He also represents the courage of being one of 3,000 Irish men & women who served in the U.S. Armed Forces in Vietnam, and was one of 29 Irish to have been killed in action there. This recognizes the many contributions of foreign nationals in U.S. Navy, U.S Marines & Armed Forces throughout our history, voluntarily serving with loyalty, honor & commitment to their adopted country.This honor could be recognition for the families of those enlistees of foreign birth who have served our country in support of our countries principles & protection around the world: A US Navy ship afloat with this heritage would be a welcome reminder to those at home that their loved one's service and perhaps ultimate sacrifice, were remembered by us, the citizens, members of our Armed Forces and the government of the United States of America. We herewith request our representatives support, in the appropriate committees of Defense oversight in both the House and Senate, in raising this request at every opportunity with the Secretary of the Navy.

Updates

February 1, 2016

I am looking at the list of names on this petition and I am blown away by the quiet dedication you all have shown for Patrick. It is truly humbling to realize that so many people care about his story as much as his own family does.

Reached 1,000 supporters

March 15, 2014

March 13, 2014

I am honestly overwhelmed by how many people have joined this effort to honor Patrick Gallagher. Seeing the count climb toward one thousand reminds me that this is entirely driven by your kindness and dedication. If you have a moment today please help us reach that milestone by telling someone new about his legacy.

Reached 100 supporters

November 30, 2013

November 28, 2013

I am honestly overwhelmed by how many people have joined this effort since I started it. If you could take a moment to pass this along to just a few more people I know we can finally hit that hundred mark together.

3,686 Comments

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Rodney Dreyer
9 years ago Featured

The Irish have contributed to the success of theses United States the military being one of them. Naming a Destroyer after the hero Patrick Gallagher would be a wonderful way to remember all the Irish who have served in the military over the years.

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Thomas O'Keeffe
9 years ago Featured

As an ex Irish Army Soilder and one who has served overseas with U.N. in Lebanon in 1978. I believe the naming of a ship in Honour of Cpl Patrick Gallagher is right and fitting as a mark of respect to him and all Irishmen who died in the Vietnam War.

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Michael Regan
9 years ago Featured

Have great pleasure in signing this petition in memory of Patrick Gallagher and in memory of my fathers oldest brother John Regan who was killed in the battle of the somme 29th September 1918 also in the American army, and a native of Ballaghaderreen.

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frank Morelli
9 years ago Featured

I was the Company Corpsman on March 30 1967 a sad day for Hotel Co Second Battalion Fourth Marines .Patrick and nine other young Marines paid the ultimate Sacrifice by answering the call to Serve our Country United States of America Semper Fidelis

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Eamon Leahy
11 years ago Featured

Example of this kind of inspirational Service should be heard by all Irish immigrants to America. Because it is timeless and simple it is to be understood and admired. The ship named after such a marine can only serve with good fortune and courage.

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Marilyn Macinko
12 years ago Featured

It would be wonderful to honor Corporal Patrick Gallagher for his bravery on the 50th anniversary of his death. He saved many Americans and fought for The United States of America even though he was an Irish citizen and hoped to become an American.

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Conor Laffan
3 years ago

Inspired by the Rte Doc on One show. May the memory of Patrick, and all who passed, be cherished always.

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Anonymous
6 years ago

Patrick Gallagher served and died as a man whose values are those that make the United States of America great: Freedom and democracy.