Antone R. Gallaher

Antone Renkl Gallaher (19 August 1909 – 14 October 1982) was a United States Navy captain. A decorated veteran of World War II, he earned the Navy Cross four times as commander of the submarine USS Bang in the Pacific theater.

Early life and education Gallaher was born and raised in Augusta, Georgia. He enlisted in the Navy on 6 June 1928. After serving aboard the light cruiser , Gallaher was sent to the United States Naval Academy Preparatory School in Norfolk, Virginia in October 1928. Appointed to the Naval Academy, he was discharged from active duty on 4 July 1929. Gallaher graduated from the Naval Academy with a B.S. degree in June 1933.

Commissioned as an ensign, Gallaher served aboard the cruiser until December 1935. Promoted to lieutenant (junior grade), he attended the Submarine School in New London, Connecticut from January to May 1936.

Career From June to December 1936, Gallaher served aboard the submarine USS R-11. He was then reassigned to USS S-37 in the Pacific from February 1937 to May 1939. From July 1939 to February 1942, Gallaher served aboard USS R-4 based at Naval Base Cavite in the Philippines.

From April 1949 to May 1950, Gallaher served as commander of Submarine Division 11 with his pennant on USS Tilefish. From June 1950 to July 1952, he returned to the Naval Academy to teach marine engineering, seamanship and navigation. From July 1953 to August 1955, he served as the commanding officer of Submarine Development Group 2, Atlantic with his pennant on USS K-1. From September 1958 to October 1959, Gallaher was commanding officer of the destroyer tender . He was then given command of Submarine Flotilla 1 until November 1960.

From December 1960 to August 1962, Gallaher served in staff positions at the Pentagon. In September 1962, he became director of Navy recruiting for the 8th Navy Recruiting Area based in San Francisco, California. Gallaher retired from active duty on 1 July 1963.

Personal Gallaher was the son of Edward Joseph Gallaher and Erma (Renkl) Gallaher. He had two sisters and two brothers.

Gallaher married Mary Catherine MacKay (31 October 1913 – 8 August 1994). They had six daughters and a son.

After retirement, Gallaher lived in San Diego County, California. He died at a hospital there on 14 October 1982. Gallaher was cremated and his ashes were scattered at sea.