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.