Gerald C. Kelleher

Gerald C. Kelleher (1908–2003) was an American military officer.

Military service

World War II In November 1942, First Lieutenant Gerald C. Kelleher served in the 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division (United States)(the Big Red One), and participated in the U.S. landing in North Africa. He served as a Platoon Leader, later being promoted to captain and Company Commander, and then, as a Major, to Battalion Executive Officer (XO). He was later given a battlefield promotion to Lieutenant Colonel. He was twice captured by Rommel's Afrika Corps and escaped both times. In 1944–45, he served in Europe as Commander of a Battalion, and then a Regiment, of the 104th Infantry Division (United States) (the Timberwolves).

On November 10, 1942, then-Major Gerald C. Kelleher was Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action at Djebel Murdjadjo, Algeria. During the Oran offensive, he personally led elements of the Battalion in a successful assault under heavy enemy fire, earning him the Silver Star Medal.

On March 28, 1943, then-Lieutenant Colonel Kelleher skillfully led his Battalion across unfamiliar enemy terrain, seizing and holding its objective despite heavy odds, which earned him another Silver Star Medal.

In 1981, General Kelleher was hosted by Governor Hugh Carey at the Governors Mansion in Albany, New York. The event was held so that the Governor could pay off a bet that the General and he made in France in March 1945. A case of beer to the first to reach occupied Cologne. The Governor praised his one-time superior as the finest soldier I have ever met in the uniform of the US Army.

Personal life Gerald C. Kelleher was born on July 8, 1908, in Albany, New York, to Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Kelleher. He was a lifelong resident of Albany. He was married for over 60 years to his childhood sweetheart, the late Mary Rose Kelleher. He also lived and served in Japan as an adviser to the Japanese Army. Honorary Colonel in the 2nd Spahis, a famous French Cavalry unit