Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Lieutenant Colonel Nathaniel Ambrose Gallagher, United States Air Force, for meritorious service as Commander of the 8th Tactical Bombardment Squadron, while engaged in ground operations against n opposing armed force while serving on temporary duty at Phan Rang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, from 14 October 1966 to 11 April 1967. During this period, while exposed to extreme danger from the threat of hostile mortar attack and sniper fire, Lieutenant Colonel Gallagher was responsible for the deployment, command, and operational utilization of approximately 220 ground maintenance and armament personnel as well as 30 combat air crews. He provided the leadership required to organize and direct the deployment of the 8th Tactical Bombardment Squadron in setting up a new base of operations at Phan Rang. His untiring efforts and high degree of professionalism enabled him to achieve a high level of mission accomplishment despite the many problems associated with a new, undeveloped base situated in a hostile area. The exemplary leadership, personal endeavor, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Gallagher in this responsible position reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Action Date:

    July 18, 1967

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Nathaniel Ambrose Gallagher, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a B-57 Tactical Jet Bomber on a high priority mission from Phan Rang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, on 18 July 1967. On that date, Colonel Gallagher flew a B-57 jet bomber sortie. Despite faulty navigation equipment and severe weather en route to the target, ordnance was expended on a highly defended target causing over 40 secondary explosions and many military structures destroyed. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Gallagher reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Action Date:

    April 1, 1967

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Nathaniel Ambrose Gallagher, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Tactical Jet Bomber in support of Operations JUNCTION CITY, Republic of Vietnam, on 1 April 1967. On that date, Colonel Gallagher flew a combat mission in support of friendly forces under heavy hostile attack. With complete disregard for the intense ground fire and with an exceptional ability to perceive the ground situation, Colonel Gallagher delivered his ordnance in an outstanding manner. His attacks in the face of ground fire and under poor weather conditions significantly contributed to the defeat of a large hostile force. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Gallagher reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Batallion:

    8th Tactical Bombing Squadron

    Regiment:

    35th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Clark Air Base, Philippine Islands

    Action Date:

    July 10, 1967

    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Nathaniel Ambrose Gallagher, United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as Pilot of a B-57 tactical jet bomber of the 8th Tactical Bombing Squadron, 35th Tactical Fighter Wing, SEVENTH Air Force, Clark Air Base, Philippine Islands, while conducting a night interdiction mission northwest of Dong Hoi, Democratic Republic of Vietnam, on 10 July 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Colonel Gallagher was on a single ship combat mission flown against hostile vehicular routes used to transport men and supplies to the South. When he sighted a moving convoy, he attacked it repeatedly despite intense anti-aircraft fire encountered on each bomb pass. His attack isolated a 25-truck convoy and achieved its neutralization, denying vitally needed supplies to the hostile forces. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Colonel Gallagher has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    February 25, 1974 – May 21, 1975

    Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-720 (August 14, 1975)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Nathaniel Ambrose Gallagher, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service to the United States as Commander, 410th Bombardment Wing, K. I. Sawyer Air Force Base, Michigan, from 25 February 1974 to 21 May 1975. In this important assignment, Colonel Gallagher’s professional competence, personal dedication and superb leadership provided the inspiration and guidance which enhanced the professional performance and superior operational capabilities of the wing to perform the assigned critical mission as a viable deterrent force for peace. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Gallagher reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    May 28, 1975 – June 30, 1977

    Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-541 (July 8, 1977)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel Nathaniel Ambrose Gallagher, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the United States as Deputy Air Force Representative and Chief of Staff, United States Delegation to the United Nations Military Staff Committee from 28 May 1975 to 30 June 1977. In this important and sensitive assignment, the leadership, managerial ability and exemplary foresight demonstrated by Colonel Gallagher resulted in significant contributions to the mission of the United States Delegation of the United Nations. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Gallagher culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Action Date:

    July 18, 1967

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Nathaniel Ambrose Gallagher, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Tactical Jet Bomber Southwest of Can Tho, Republic of Vietnam, on 11 April 1967. On that date, Colonel Gallagher led a flight of two bombers on an attack against a well fortified Viet Cong supply and training center. Despite intense hostile ground fire, poor visibility due to haze and fog, and a malfunctioning engine on his aircraft, Colonel Gallagher made repeated accurate bombing and strafing passes against the hostile forces, neutralizing the ground fire and causing extensive damage to their positions. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Gallagher reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Action Date:

    December 7, 1966

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Nathaniel Ambrose Gallagher, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Tactical Jet Bomber near Tam Ky, Republic of Vietnam, on 7 December 1966. On that date, Colonel Gallagher flew a combat support mission against a vital Viet Cong supply and staging area. Despite martial conditions in the area and marginal weather which restricted delivery tactics, Colonel Gallagher made repeated and accurate bombing and strafing attacks on the storage complex, scoring direct hits with his bombs. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Gallagher reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.