Major Robert Edward Galer was a Marine in the U.S. Marine Corps who received the Medal of Honor for his actions on October 1, 1942 in Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands during World War II. At the time he was serving with Marine Fighter Squadron 224, Marine Aviation Group 21. Galer was 28 years old.
The medal was presented on March 24, 1943 — the White House, presented by Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt. He later rose to the rank of Brigadier General.
Galer was born on October 23, 1913 in Seattle, King County, Washington. Galer died on June 27, 2005 in Dallas, Texas, at the age of 91. He is buried at Texas State Cemetery in Austin, Texas.
Galer is one of 474 Medal of Honor recipients from World War II and one of 40 credited to Washington.
Official Medal of Honor citation
For conspicuous heroism and courage above and beyond the call of duty as leader of a marine fighter squadron in aerial combat with enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands area. Leading his squadron repeatedly in daring and aggressive raids against Japanese aerial forces, vastly superior in numbers, Maj. Galer availed himself of every favorable attack opportunity, individually shooting down 11 enemy bomber and fighter aircraft over a period of 29 days. Though suffering the extreme physical strain attendant upon protracted fighter operations at an altitude above 25,000 feet, the squadron under his zealous and inspiring leadership shot down a total of 27 Japanese planes. His superb airmanship, his outstanding skill, and personal valor reflect great credit upon Maj. Galer's gallant fighting spirit and upon the U.S. Naval Service.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Other decorations and honors
Besides the Medal of Honor, Robert Edward Galer received:
Source: Wikidata. Gold chips link to our guide to that decoration.
Battles and campaigns
Battle of Iwo Jima
Result: American victory
10 Medal of Honor recipients
1944 · World War IIBattle of Peleliu
Result: American victory
6 Medal of Honor recipients
Also served in: World War II, Korean War.
Life beyond the battlefield
- Education: George Washington University
Source: Wikidata.
Places
Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in Washington →
Timeline
- October 23, 1913Born in Seattle, King County, Washington
- October 1, 1942Act of valor — Guadalcanal, Solomon IslandsAge 28. Marine Fighter Squadron 224, Marine Aviation Group 21
- March 24, 1943Medal of Honor presentedThe White House, presented by Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt
- June 27, 2005Died in Dallas, TexasAge 91.
- Resting placeTexas State CemeteryAustin, Texas
Biography
Brigadier General Robert Edward Galer (24 October 1913 – 27 June 2005) was a naval aviator in the United States Marine Corps who received the Medal of Honor for heroism in aerial combat during the Battle of Guadalcanal in World War II. He went on to command Marine Aircraft Group 12 during the Korean War and retired a few years after in 1957.
From the Wikipedia article “Robert E. Galer”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
