FReeper Canteen ~ Hall of Heroes: Robert E Galer ~ 08 June 2020

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[Kathy in Alaska]

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~ Hall of Heroes ~

Robert E. Galer

Info from here.

           

We recently visited the Naval Air Station and museum in Pensacola, Florida, and I saw a story there that I just had to share!  First, the background on our hero....

Robert E. Galer was born on 23 October 1913 in Seattle. He graduated from the University of Washington in June 1935, and joined the Naval Reserve Aviation Base Seattle for flight training. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps on 1 July 1936 In April 1937, Galer was designated a Naval Aviator.

On 29 August 1940, he and his squadron mates of VMF-2 were trying to carrier qualify off San Diego. On the downwind leg his engine failed and he had to ditch his Grumman F3F. This was his first unplanned water landing; there would be more.

In January 1941 VMF-2 moved to Ewa, Hawaii, a new Marine air base. Here it was redesignated VMF-211. One of its first missions was to qualify for carrier landings. In a military SNAFU, VMF-211's CO expected a landing signal officer (LSO) to be assigned to the squadron for this task. Two weeks before the deadline CINCPAC informed him that no LSO would be forthcoming and that VMF-211 was still required to qualify. The CO recalled that Galer had spent much of the outbound voyage in the company of the LSO on the carrier that transported them to Hawaii. He summoned Galer, who readily admitted spending many hours with his buddy, the LSO. When he further confessed some familiarity with the LSO's duties, that was it. He ws the new LSO for the squadron. The squadron qualified on schedule.

When VMF-211 embarked for Wake, where all members were killed or captured, Galer was ordered to remain behind in Hawaii. He was the only spare LSO in the Pacific. Just before the Battle of Midway in June 1942, he was given command of VMF-224, a largely paper squadron whose only tangible assets at Galer's appointment were one other pilot, a few enlisted men, and one plane. He scrounged up more men and material and prepared to defend Hawaii itself, if needed.
Guadalcanal

But the Japanese were turned back at Midway and the Americans seized the initiative, invading Guadalcanal in August. Galer's VMF-224 landed there on August 30. Henderson Field was under construction; few mechanics were in place; mud was everywhere. But the Seabees worked miracles with PSP (pierced steel planking), and the "Cactus Air Force" began taking its toll on the Japanese bombers. Galer's pilots scrambled continuously to meet the Japanese aerial onslaught. Typically coastwatchers stationed in the Solomons warned them of incoming Japanese attacks. "Forty bombers headed yours," was a well-rembered radio message from the isolated coastwatchers. The fighters of VMF-224, VMF-211, and whatever else Cactus could put in the air would take off, looking to gain altitude before the Japs arrived. When the shooting started, they went for the bombers. After the dogfighting, if ammo remained, they would strafe enemy ships or ground positions.

Although short of gas at times, Galer said the aviators would have been in worse shape had it not been for the efforts of the Australian coastwatchers. Without the warnings from the coast watchers, the marine fliers would have wasted valuable gas circling the field waiting for the enemy. The coast watchers' warnings helped save many American lives, and also had a direct impact on Galer himself when his Wildcat was shot down. "'Barbara Jane' couldn't swim, so I had to swim off and leave her. I was fortunate to encounter the coastwatchers who assisted me in getting back the next day," he joked. This was one of three planes Galer lost to the enemy during his two and a half months on Guadalcanal - after another shoot-down, two Marines swam out from the island to assist him; a third ended with a dead-stick landing on the island. Each time, Galer went back into action, and in less than a month he accrued 11 individual kills.

In recognition of his actions at Guadalcanal, Galer was presented the Medal of Honor by President Franklin D. Roosevelt at the White House on 24 March 1943. Although the ceremony was "a very pleasant and memorable occasion" for Galer, during which he chatted with the president before receiving the decoration, Roosevelt's presentation of the award held special meaning for Galer's mother, a Democratic committeewoman, the one Democrat from a family of Republicans. "This was the highlight of her life. She thought Roosevelt was the nearest thing to the Pope," Galer later said.

His Medal of Honor Citation reads:

For conspicuous heroism and courage above and beyond the call of duty as Leader of Marine Fighting Squadron TWO TWENTY-FOUR in aerial combat with enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area, August-September 1942. Leading his squadron repeatedly in daring and aggressive raids against Japanese aerial forces, vastly superior in numbers, Major 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 Major Galer's gallant fighting spirit and upon the United States Naval Service.

He served as Commandant of Cadets at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas before returning to the Pacific in 1944-45.

During the Korean War, Colonel Galer flew with Marine Air Group 12. Shot down in June 1952 by anti-aircraft fire, he was saved from communist captivity in a daring helicopter rescue. He was subsequently promoted to brigadier general and worked on guided missile development before his retirement in July 1957. He accepted a position as vice president of Ling-Temco-Vought in Dallas and continued his flying career, in the new Mach-2 F8U Crusader. Retiring for a second time, he entered the real estate business in Dallas,Texas.

Despite his status as a Medal of Honor recipient and a fighter ace, Galer's son doesn't let him forget his other unique distinction. "Before WW II started, I lost an airplane while carrier qualifying off San Diego. At Guadalcanal, I got shot down three times. In Korea, I was a group leader and got shot down about 100 miles behind enemy lines, and the Navy came in and got me. My smart-aleck son, who is an Air Force pilot, says, `That's five airplanes you lost. You're an enemy ace.'"

Aerial Victories: 13 confirmed and 4 probables

Medals: Medal of Honor, Navy Cross, Legion of Merit with Combat "V," Distinguished Flying Cross with one Gold Star, Purple Heart, Air Medal with 10 Gold Stars, and the British Distinguished Flying Cross

Brigadier General Galer died on June 27, 2005 in Dallas, Texas.

And now, the rest of the story...

"Life oftentimes brings the most unexpected of surprises and such was the case in June 1988 when the crew of a U.S. Navy submersible searching the depths of the Pacific for a downed helicopter made a startling discovery.  Lying on it's back was an antiquated biplane, a broad yellow band and the word "MARINES" clearly visible on it's fuselage.  Upon further investigation, the aircraft was determined to be a 1930's-vintage F3F-2 fighter, manufactured by the Navy by the Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation.  One of eighty-one F3F-2s built, this particular bird met its end on 29 August 1940, when a problem transferring fuel tanks forced 1st Lieutenant Robert E. Galer to ditch the aircraft during flight operations aboard USS Saratoga (CV-3).

 By the time the Navy mounted a recovery effort in 1990, the aircraft that had lain undisturbed for a half century had been dragged along the ocean floor, either inadvertently by a fishing trawler's net or by an amateur salvager.  Nonetheless, the aircraft was brought to the surface and returned to NAS North Island, CA, where now Brigadier General Robert E. Graler, USMC (Ret), fighter ace and Medal of Honor recipient, was there to meet it.

During the nearly four-year restoration process at the San Diego Aerospace Museum, corrosion of aluminum skins and other components required 60% replacement, and replicas of the cockpit instruments had to be fabricated.  In addition, extensive work was performed on the tail, wings, and fuselage and a Hamilton Standard propeller and Wright R-1820-22 engine were acquired for use on the aircraft.  Rubber components found aboard the aircraft were in usable condition, including the original tires and even a tool kit and life raft survived their lengthy stay underwater."

Please remember the Canteen is here to honor, support and entertain our troops and their families.  This is a politics-free zone!  Thanks for helping us in our mission! 

 

[The Mayor]

Freep mail me to be on or off the Daily Bread ping list

June 8

Truly Humble, Truly Great

Bible in a Year:

• 2 Chronicles 30–31
• John 18:1–18

[Christ Jesus] made himself nothing.

Philippians 2:7

As the American Revolution concluded with England’s improbable surrender, many politicians and military leaders maneuvered to make General George Washington a new monarch. The world watched, wondering if Washington would stick to his ideals of freedom and liberty when absolute power was within his grasp. England’s King George III saw another reality, however. He was convinced that if Washington resisted the power pull and returned to his Virginia farm, he would be “the greatest man in the world.” The king knew that the greatness evidenced in resisting the allure to power is a sign of true nobility and significance. 

Paul knew this same truth and encouraged us to follow Christ’s humble way. Even though Jesus was “in very nature God,” he “did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage” (Philippians 2:6). Instead, He surrendered His power, became “a servant” and “humbled himself by becoming obedient to death” (vv. 7–8). The One who held all power surrendered every bit of it for the sake of love.

And yet, in the ultimate reversal, God exalted Christ from a criminal’s cross “to the highest place” (v. 9). Jesus, who could demand our praise or force us to be obedient, laid down His power in a breathtaking act that won our worship and devotion. Through absolute humility, Jesus demonstrated true greatness, turning the world upside down.

By:  Winn Collier

Reflect & Pray

How does the depth of Jesus’ humility surprise you? How does His humility force you to reconsider your definition of greatness?

Thank You, Jesus, that in Your most destitute and (seemingly) disgraceful moment, You demonstrated Your true power and greatness.

[Publius]

They named a street after him in Seattle.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, Mayor, and thank you for today’s sustenance for body and soul.

Ready to take on the new week?

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks, Publius....he sure earned a “street”.

[robowombat]

I am surprised it has not been renamed for Lenin or Castro.

[Publius]

The Lenin statue in the Fremont District is deemed sufficient.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Please note: The author of this Hall of Heroes is StarCMC.

~ Hall of Heroes: Robert E Galer ~

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Hi Everybody!

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[SkyDancer]

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Frontier Flights - I'm Down There Somewhere

[mylife]

USN, is there anything they can’t do? ;)

[luvie]

Born 23 October 1913, Seattle
Medal of Honor Recipient
What a guy!
What a story!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, ML...((HUGS))...more rain?

We’ve been having thunder for an hour or so and a couple claps that seemed directly over head, and power flickers, but only enough rain to wet the street.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, Janey...((HUGS))...hurrah...you made it home.

Enjoy your time off.

[E.G.C.]

A very pleasant good Monday morning and ((HUGS)) to everyone at the Canteen and to all our military at home and abroad. Thanks for your service to our country and thanks Star for this morning's thread.

How's everyone doing this morning?

[beachn4fun]

Good morning, Canteen.

Good morning to our

Military, our Allies, and their families.

Hat tip to Robert E. Galer
I love watching segments on Underwater discoveries.

Thank you, Ma for preparing
the Canteen for today's activities.

Gotta run as this is our walk day.

Something strange is happening when I try to post and preview.
Either FR or Safari, I'm not sure.
It won't allow me to change the tagline
and gets hung up.
Fingers crossed this will post.

Please stay right where you are.
Chat up the military or a family member.
No need to fret...you know I'll be back!

Come in and sit for a while.
There's always plenty of coffee, tea,
pancakes, conversation, silliness,
and plain old BS

REMEMBER THEM ~ DEFENDERS OF FREEDOM

FR CANTEEN MISSION STATEMENT

Showing support and boosting the morale of our military and our allied military and the family members of the above. Honoring those who have served before.

[left that other site]

Today is cold....”Leather Weather” as i go get Blue.

[luvie]

Howdy, EGC! (((hugs)))

All is well here...except for it being hotter than a pistol. Supposed to be about 104 before plunging back down into the 90s tomorrow. LOL!

Hope you and Giz had fun at the lake yesterday. And that today is more of the same. Stay cool...stay well!

[luvie]

Gooood mornin', Early Birds!
What is that behind me?
Oh! It's the weekend!
It was way too short, huh!
Hope you aren't in Cristobal's path.
It's a big 'un!
All the way to the Great Lakes.
Crazy, just like this whole year has been!
Hope all y'all have a Mahv'lus Monday
...and a Wonderful Weekend!
(((hugs)))