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Ignatius
Joseph
Galantin
September 24, 1910

–

July 6, 2004

Ignatius Galantin graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1933. He retired as a U.S. Navy Admiral. In retirement, he published two books concerning submarines: “Take Her Deep,” an autobiographical account of Galantin’s wartime action when he was skipper of Halibut and “Submarine Admiral” which describes the evolutionary process of the submarine in the U.S. Navy.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Halibut (SS-232)

    Action Date:

    August 20 – September 16, 1943
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 01914 (March 5, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second 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 SIXTH War Patrol of that submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters, from 20 August to 16 September 1943. Penetrating strong enemy escort screens, Commander Galantin pressed home five torpedo attacks against enemy shipping to sink two freighters totaling over 9,000 tons and to damage a destroyer of 1,000 tons. Conducting a running gun engagement with an armed sampan of 150 tons despite poor visibility caused by rain squalls, he riddled the hostile craft and, employing effective evasive tactics, succeeded in returning his ship safe to port. His skill and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Admiral

    Action Date:

    May 1966 – June 1970

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral Ignatius Joseph Galantin (NSN: 0-72310/1100), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Chief of Naval Material during the period from May 1966 to June 1970. Called upon to from the Navy Material Command in May of 1966, Admiral Galantin, through his leadership, foresight, and technical knowledge, was responsible in large measure for the viability and responsiveness which have been the hallmarks of this command since its inception. Admiral Galantin’s responsibilities involved planning, research, development, production, maintenance, and support of new and improved weapons systems for the fleet in all area of warfare. He has initiated and has been instrumental in development and production of many of the weapons systems which are currently in service in the Navy and for the development of others which will enhance the combat readiness of the fleets of the future. Playing a vital role in maintaining the high state of material readiness of the Navy’s ships and aircraft, Admiral Galantin contributed substantially to the capability of the Navy to meet its world-wide commitments while simultaneously engaged in armed conflict against the Communist aggressors in Vietnam. By his unique organizational abilities, exceptional professional competence, and complete dedication to the fulfillment of his responsibilities, Admiral Galantin contributed essentially to the security posture of the United States and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Halibut (SS-232)

    Action Date:

    October 8 – December 1, 1944
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 01660 (February 25, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Ignatius Joseph Galantin (NSN: 0-72310/1100), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. HALIBUT (SS-232), on the TENTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 8 October 1944 to 1 December 1944, in enemy Japanese-controlled waters of the Pacific War Area. A skilled and aggressive leader, Commander Galantin penetrated strong enemy escort screens to launch repeated strikes against enemy shipping and, by his expert ship-handling, contributed to the success of the HALIBUT in sinking more than 10,000 tons of enemy shipping and in evading severe hostile countermeasures. His valiant devotion to duty reflects the highest credit upon himself, his officers and men of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    United States Navy Submarine (SS)

    Action Date:

    1943

    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.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Halibut (SS-232)

    Action Date:

    March 21 – May 15, 1944
    Commander, Submarine Forces Pacific: Serial 0367 (July 29, 1946)

    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.