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Navy Federal Credit Union
Ralph
William
Galati
POW (RVN)
March 22, 1948

–

Ralph Galati was interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam after he was shot down on February 16, 1972, and was held until his release on March 28, 1973.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    25th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    8th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Ubon Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    February 16, 1972

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Ralph William Galati, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-4D Weapons Systems Officer of the 25th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, Ubon Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, PACIFIC Air Force, in action in Southeast Asia, on 16 February 1972. On that date, Lieutenant Galati was the strike team leader on an air strike of highest importance deep inside hostile territory. Because photo reconnaissance of the target area was extremely limited, he was primarily tasked to locate and mark the targets for the strike flights which followed. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Lieutenant Galati remained in this extremely hostile environment for over two hours locating targets and directing strikes against these targets, despite continually receiving intense anti-aircraft fire. By his courageous efforts, Lieutenant Galati accounted for the destruction of two heavy field pieces, five anti-aircraft positions, and a supply warehouse. Shortly thereafter his aircraft took a disabling hit forcing him down in hostile territory. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Galati has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    February 16, 1972 – March 28, 1973

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant Ralph William Galati, United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 16 February 1972 to 28 March 1973. His ceaseless efforts to conduct himself strictly in accord with the Code of Conduct and policies of the prisoner organization in the difficult conditions of a communist prison clearly demonstrated his loyalty, love of country, and professionalism. By his unselfish dedication to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    February 16, 1972 – March 28, 1973

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant Ralph William Galati, United States Air Force, for heroic actions against an enemy armed force while serving as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. The North Vietnamese and interrogators and guards kept constant pressure on this officer through harassment, intimidation, and cruelties from which they hoped to gain information and cooperative participation in their propaganda exercises. This individual heroically resisted their treatment in a manner which served as an inspiration to others in the camp and reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    February 16, 1972 – March 28, 1973

    First Lieutenant Ralph William Galati, United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from February 16, 1972 until his release on March 28, 1973.