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.