The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Antone Renkl Gallaher (NSN: 0-72386), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BANG (SS-385), on the FOURTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 25 October 1944 to 5 December 1944, in restricted Japanese waters off Formosa. Aggressive and determined, Commander Gallaher boldly launched a series of brilliantly planned and executed attacks which resulted in the sinking of a number of Japanese vessels and the damaging of others. A superb seaman, cool and courageous in carrying the fight to the enemy at every opportunity, Commander Gallaher inspired his gallant officers and men to heroic efforts in the successful fulfillment of a vital and hazardous mission and, by his valiant fighting spirit, upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Antone Renkl Gallaher (NSN: 0-72386), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BANG (SS-385), on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine during the period 29 March 1944 to 14 May 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Luzon Straits. Maneuvering his vessel through strong enemy escort screens, Commander Gallaher launched repeated torpedo attacks to sink three hostile ships totaling over 20,000 tons, including a 2,300-ton destroyer, and to damage two additional enemy ships totaling 15,000 tons. Despite severe depth-charging, enemy countermeasures and hostile aerial bombing, Commander Gallaher skillfully evaded the enemy and brought his ship safe to port. His devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself, his officers and men and 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 Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Antone Renkl Gallaher (NSN: 0-72386), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BANG (SS-385), on the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine during the period 7 August 1944 to 27 September 1944, off Formosa in enemy controlled waters of the South China Sea. Successfully penetrating strong escort screens maintained around large enemy convoys, Commander Gallaher launched determined torpedo attacks which resulted in the sinking of two enemy tankers and three freighters totaling more than 31,400 tons, and in the damaging of two additional freighters of more than 9,800 tons. Evading severe enemy countermeasures, he brought his ship to port undamaged. His professional skill, courage and devotion to duty 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 Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Antone Renkl Gallaher (NSN: 0-72386), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BANG (SS-385), on the SECOND War Patrol of that submarine during the period 6 June 1944 to 17 July 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Mariana Islands in the South China Sea. Braving intense surface and air opposition, Commander Gallaher skillfully penetrated a strong enemy escort screen to launch bold torpedo attacks, sinking one 10,000-ton Japanese tanker and two additional vessels for a total of 24,000 tons, and in inflicting heavy damage on another tanker of 7,500 tons. Although severely depth-charged and attacked with enemy aerial bombs, he succeeded in bringing the BANG safely to port. By his inspiring leadership and devotion to the fulfillment of his hazardous mission, Commander Gallaher upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.