The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Ignatius Joseph Galantin (NSN: 0-72310/1100), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of a United States submarine on war patrol in enemy controlled waters. On one occasion Lieutenant Commander Galantin attacked a portion of an enemy convoy, after a well executed long chase, and sank an enemy freighter of over 3,000 tons. On another occasion he executed an attack upon an important formation of enemy warships which were well screened and proceeding zig-zagging at high speed. He succeeded in severely damaging a large enemy warship in this formation. His courage, tenacity, and skill in these attacks were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Ignatius Joseph Galantin (NSN: 0-72310/1100), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. HALIBUT (SS-232), on the NINTH War Patrol of that submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters, from 21 March to 15 May 1944. Fearlessly conducting torpedo attacks on heavily escorted enemy vessels, and bombardment of shore positions, Commander Galantin sank two enemy freighters, a coastal minelayer and a motor-driven cargo sampan totaling 8,000 tons, damaged an additional freighter of 5,000 tons, and destroyed warehouses and buildings on the Japanese-held island of Kume Shima. Attacking an enemy sampan convoy, he sank one sampan and then, by skillful and evasive tactics, escaped enemy counterattacks and brought his ship safe to port. His initiative, outstanding courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.