The Cecil Whig, Elkton, MD. July 12, 1945.
" Mrs. Alice M. Gallaher, of R. 3 Elkton, was, on July 4th, presented the Distiguished Service Cross, for her husband Staff Sergeant Joseph E. Gallaher, who was mortally wounded in France December 14th, 1944. The presentation was made by Colonel Frank B. Lammons, of the Third Service Command, at special excercises held July 4th, at the Smith Memorial Fairmount Park Philadelphia.
Sgt Gallaher is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph E . Gallaher of R. 3 Elkton.
Following is the citation:
Joseph E. Gallaher, 33733590 Staff Sergeant, Infantry Company "L" 142nd Infantry Regiment, for extraordinary heroism in action on 14 December 1944, in Milltelwihr, France. When a large hostile force infiltrated friendly outposts and launched a savage assault against the company positions. Sergeant Gallaher, leader of a 60 mm. mortar section, immediatly began issuing firing orders. Upon hearing his voice the enemy opened fire with machine guns sweeping his positon with rapid accurate bursts. Dauntlessly remaining in position, Sergeant Gallaher continued to direct devastating mortar fire on the hostile troops. Although seriously wounded by machine gun bullets, he steadfastly maintained his post, inflicting numerous casualties on the enemy and delaying the attack. As a result of his skill and determination, the hostile elements were completly disorganized and forced to withdrawl."
Dick Gallaher was one of my father's best friends before the war, they ended up as replacements in Italy assigned to L-142. Just wanted to share this bit of history of a Maryland T-Patcher.
Bob K. Son Of James Kennedy L-142
" Mrs. Alice M. Gallaher, of R. 3 Elkton, was, on July 4th, presented the Distiguished Service Cross, for her husband Staff Sergeant Joseph E. Gallaher, who was mortally wounded in France December 14th, 1944. The presentation was made by Colonel Frank B. Lammons, of the Third Service Command, at special excercises held July 4th, at the Smith Memorial Fairmount Park Philadelphia.
Sgt Gallaher is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph E . Gallaher of R. 3 Elkton.
Following is the citation:
Joseph E. Gallaher, 33733590 Staff Sergeant, Infantry Company "L" 142nd Infantry Regiment, for extraordinary heroism in action on 14 December 1944, in Milltelwihr, France. When a large hostile force infiltrated friendly outposts and launched a savage assault against the company positions. Sergeant Gallaher, leader of a 60 mm. mortar section, immediatly began issuing firing orders. Upon hearing his voice the enemy opened fire with machine guns sweeping his positon with rapid accurate bursts. Dauntlessly remaining in position, Sergeant Gallaher continued to direct devastating mortar fire on the hostile troops. Although seriously wounded by machine gun bullets, he steadfastly maintained his post, inflicting numerous casualties on the enemy and delaying the attack. As a result of his skill and determination, the hostile elements were completly disorganized and forced to withdrawl."
Dick Gallaher was one of my father's best friends before the war, they ended up as replacements in Italy assigned to L-142. Just wanted to share this bit of history of a Maryland T-Patcher.
Bob K. Son Of James Kennedy L-142
