GALER, ROBERT EDWARD - Medal of Honor Recipient
Rank and organization: Major, U.S. Marine Corps, Marine Fighter Sqdn.
244. Place: Solomon Islands Area. Entered service at: Washington. Birth:
23 October 1913, Seattle, Wash. Other Navy awards: Navy Cross, Distinguished
Flying Cross. Citation: For conspicuous heroism and courage above and beyond
the call of duty as leader of a marine fighter squadron in aerial combat
with enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands area. Leading his squadron
repeatedly in daring and aggressive raids against Japanese aerial forces,
vastly superior in numbers, Maj. Galer availed himself of every favorable
attack opportunity, individually shooting down 11 enemy bomber and fighter
aircraft over a period of 29 days. Though suffering the extreme physical
strain attendant upon protracted fighter operations at an altitude above
25,000 feet, the squadron under his zealous and inspiring leadership shot
down a total of 27 Japanese planes. His superb airmanship, his outstanding
skill and personal valor reflect great credit upon Maj. Galer's gallant
fighting spirit and upon the U.S. Naval Service.
Browse Records by Era / War / Subject | 