TFH 10/10: YN3 Greg G. Gallagher, USN

The Vietnam War was the dawn of the United States Navy's SEALs. SEAL Team One was founded at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado in California in 1961. During 1968, the SEALs were conducting riverine warfare on the Mekong Delta.

On October 10-11, 1968, one such SEAL operation was launched to capture enemy fighters. During the mission, the SEALs came under fire from a numerically superior force. The defense and extraction of the team was led by Yeoman 3rd Class Greg G. Gallagher, who received the Navy Cross for his heroism.


From Military Times' Hall of Valor:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Yeoman Third Class Gary G. Gallagher, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism on 10 and 11 October 1968 while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict in the Mekong Delta region of the Republic of Vietnam. Distinguishing himself by his exemplary leadership and selfless courage, Petty Officer Gallagher, a member of Sea-Air-Land Team ONE (SEAL-1) serving in the capacity of reconnaissance Unit Adviser, led his unit in a capture mission deep into an enemy-controlled area. As the operation progressed and the unit began picking up prisoners, the unit split and advanced on both sides of a small canal in an effort to capture additional members of the Viet Cong infrastructure. At this time, an earlier-acquired captive made a warning sound to his comrades in the vicinity. Immediately, heavy fire from a numerically-superior enemy force was encountered by the separated half of Petty Officer Gallagher's patrol unit. In order to prevent his prisoners from escaping, he forced them to lead the way while crossing the canal to assist his stricken troops. Rallying his reconnaissance unit, Petty Officer Gallagher boldly exposed himself to the hostile fire while directing return fire on the enemy. His driving determination to succeed in his mission served to inspire his men and resulted in the temporary neutralization of the enemy attack. Petty Officer Gallagher then led a hasty, yet professionally executed, withdrawal-with his entire unit and all prisoners-of-war intact. Before concluding the extraction phase, he administered lifesaving first aid to a seriously wounded companion and carried the man over eight kilometers to safety. Petty Officer Gallagher's heroic response while leading this Vietnamese force, his demonstrated initiative and valor, and his selfless dedication under concentrated enemy fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Gallagher, according to the forward of the book Illusion or Victory, retired from the Navy as a Master Chief Petty Officer sometime before 1997. I believe him to still be living.

SEAL Team One is still active and home based at Coronado.