Brig. Gen. Galer Gate Dedication

Photo By Sgt. Ashley McLaughlin | UU.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army, and Republic of Korea personnel pose with the unveiled gate after a dedication ceremony in honor of U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Robert E. Galer, a combat aviator and holder of the Nation’s highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, on Camp Humphreys, Pyeongtaek-Si, Republic of Korea, April 16, 2021. Through collaboration between U.S. Marine Corps Forces – Korea (MARFORK) and USAG Camp Humphreys, the newly named Galer Gate will be the only gate memorializing a U.S. Marine across 72 U.S. Army installations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Ash McLaughlin)  

PYEONGTAEK, 41, SOUTH KOREA

04.16.2021

Story by Sgt. Ashley McLaughlin 

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Korea

U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Camp Humphreys dedicated its CPX gate in honor of U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Robert E. Galer, a combat aviator and holder of the Nation’s highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, on the base in Pyeongtaek-Si, Republic of Korea, April 16, 2021.

Through collaboration between U.S. Marine Corps Forces – Korea (MARFORK) and USAG Camp Humphreys, the newly named Galer Gate will be the only gate memorializing a U.S. Marine across 72 U.S. Army installations.

In March 1952, the then Colonel Galer worked as Assistant Chief of Staff, G-4 for the lst Marine Aircraft Wing while in Korea until the following May.

In May he became the commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 12, and on July 11, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a second Distinguished Flying Cross. The citation tells how he "led a maximum effort strike of Marine attack aircraft against a heavily defended industrial area in the North Korean capital city of Pyongyang."

Colonel Galer was also awarded the Legion of Merit with a Combat "V" for his service in Korea from May 24 to August 5, 1952, after being shot down behind enemy lines by anti-aircraft fire and later rescued by a helicopter.

During the dedication ceremony there was an invocation, remarks by U.S. Army Col. Michael F. Tremblay, USAG Camp Humphreys Garrison Commander, and U.S. Marine Corps Col. Samuel Cook, MARFORK Deputy Commander, and a ribbon cutting and unveiling ceremony.

“Today’s ceremony honors a U.S. Marine who provided tremendous valor and courage during the Pacific campaigns of World War 2 and the Korean War that earned him the Medal of Honor and Distinguished Flying Crosses,” said U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Christian M. Kelley, Director of Operations with MARFORK. “Witnessing a ceremony that dedicates this USAG Camp Humphreys gate to a hero, forever memorializes his contributions as an American who was committed to the ROK/U.S. alliance and as a U.S. Marine who displayed honor, courage, and commitment. This dedication is a sincere acknowledgement of the impacts Brigadier General Galer made, and each and every person who passes through this gate will be reminded of his actions and how the U.S. Marines are dedicated to the motto, ‘We Go Together’.”

A complete list of General Galer's medals and decorations include the Medal of Honor, Legion of Merit with Combat "V", Distinguished Flying Cross with one Gold Star, Air Medal with four Gold Stars, Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation with one bronze star, American Defense Service Medal with Base Clasp, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one silver star, American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with two bronze stars, United Nations Service Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross (British Award), and the Korean Presidential Unit Citation.

• Date Taken: 04.16.2021
• Date Posted: 04.26.2021 18:46
• Story ID: 394006
• Location: PYEONGTAEK, 41, KR