Commemoration for Vietnam War hero

AS the 50th anniversary of the death of Ballyhaunis man Cpl. Patrick ‘Bob’ Gallagher approaches, plans are moving swiftly in both the US and here at home to have a US Navy Ship named after the man who tragically lost his life while serving with the US army during the Vietnam War in 1967.

A petition whereby names are being gathered on both sides of the Atlantic to have a US Navy ship named after the Ballyhaunis man is gathering momentum. For more information, see https://www.patrickgallagherusmc.info/.

A memorial Mass is being organised for St. Patrick’s Church in Ballyhaunis this Thursday (March 30) at 11 a.m., the 50th anniversary of his death. The celebration will be followed by prayers at his graveside in Ballyhaunis.

The Irish Army will provide a guard of honour on the occasion.

This will be followed by the opening of an exhibition on Patrick in the Friary.

The radio documentary Mayo Boy, Vietnam Hero, by Kathy Raftery, will be repeated this coming Sunday, April 2, on RTÉ Radio 1 at 7 p.m.

Patrick grew up near Ballyhaunis before emigrating to the United States in the early 1960s. He joined the US Marine Corps and was stationed in Vietnam during some of the most intense fighting of the war.

Patrick was just 23 when he was killed on duty in southeast Asia. Just months before he died, he was awarded a Navy Cross, the second highest honor in the US military.

Kathy Raftery's mother was a friend of Patrick Gallagher before he emigrated, having grown up together. In her documentary, Kathy hears from those who knew Patrick, his family and comrades, and hears about the extraordinary act of bravery that warranted him receiving a Navy Cross.