The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant [then Private First Class] Bernard F. Gallagher (ASN: 12058966), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company H, 3d Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 11 September 1943, at ****, Italy. While carrying a message to his Company Command Post. Staff Sergeant Gallagher was intercepted by a six-man German patrol who ordered him to surrender. Having been instructed as to the importance of the message, Staff Sergeant Gallagher, courageously, with odds six-to-one against him, fought it out with the enemy, killing two and forcing the remaining four to retreat. He delivered the message in time for his company to withdraw to a defensive position which prevented a possible breakthrough by the enemy. Staff Sergeant Gallagher’s courageous and fearless act reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Airborne Forces.