War Hero Cousins

The story of two cousins Julian Aaron Cook, and Henry (Harry) Gallagher who were heroes in battle during World War 2. They were both serving in Holland in 1944 in two different theatres of operation. Both showed extraordinary heroism which is told in greater detail HERE

World War 1  

Find list of casualties from Donegal, the British Commonwealth

Thomas Foster Gallagher

Col., 11th Regt. Reserves Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry
Brevet Brig. Gen. U.S.V. March 13 1865

General McCall, in making a report of the battle of Gaines' Mill and his capture says:

"The Eleventh Regiment, commanded by Col. Gallagher, were surrounded by the enemy, and in the heat of the action he was completely enveloped in the smoke of battle. They continued firing after the rest of the line had retreated. Notwithstanding his perilous position he kept up a galling fire on the advancing foe. The situation of this brave regiment which had so nobly maintained their ground after all had retreated, was now hopeless; their retreat was entirely cut off by the increasing force of the enemy who were still advancing, and they were compelled to surrender."

Henry Gallaugher 1886 - 1917

Born 9 Mar 1886 in Balleighan, Manorcunningham, Co Donegal, Captain Gallagher joined the British Army on the 1st Sep 1914, immediately after the outbreak of World War 1. He was awarded the DSO for his exploits during the Battle of the Somme, in July 1916.

He was killed at Messines Ridge on the 7th June 1917.

He was posthumously recommended for the Victoria Cross for his brave actions at the time of his death.

Corporal Patrick Gallagher 1944 - 1967

Born 1944 in Derringtogher, Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo, Patrick emigrated to New York in 1962. He became interested in politics and canvassed for Bobby Kennedy. In April 1966, he was drafted into the US Marines and was sent to Vietnam - something he kept from his parents at home.

Patrick saved the lives of three comrades on 18 July 1966. Four of them had been manning a defence post at Cam Lo near the border with North Vietnam when it was attacked by Communist forces.

Patrick kicked a grenade out of their position before it exploded and, as the citation for the Navy Cross he was later awarded read, "another enemy grenade followed and landed in the position between two of his comrades. Without hesitation, in a valiant act of self-sacrifice, Corporal Gallagher threw himself upon the deadly grenade in order to absorb the explosion and save the lives of his comrades." He was also awarded The Congressional Medal of Honour.

Unfortunately, on the day he was to collect his awards, he was being buried, having been killed in action in Vietnam

 

THE QUIET SERGEANT


Henry Edward Gallagher 1855-1931

A Rorke’s Drift Man

This is the story of a Gallagher whose roots were in Ireland but who found himself fighting in spots "a long way from Tipperary", his native county. Henry found himself involved in a conflict which was made famous once more in the 1960's film "Zulu". Read the story of Henry's life including this famous episode at Rorke's Drift.

We are indebted to the late Roger Lane, Henry's great grandson, who researched and wrote the piece. He was good enough to send it to us and give us permission for its use. He also entertained us at the Gallagher Gathering in September 2007 as he told Henry's story, while dressed in period "red coat" uniform.He sadly died in February 2008.

You can read Roger's piece about Henry HERE

Note:We would make like to make a full list of military Gallaghers and we ask your help. Please forward any information you have to postmaster@gallagherclan.org . Copies of any relevant material to add to our archive would be greatly appreciated.