Hugh Stephen Galligan

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Jose Andres "Andy" Chacon on November 14, 2003:

Hugh Stephen Galligan Born December 26, 1925 - Died November 28, 1996 Hugh Stephen "Steve" Galligan was born in New York City, New York on 26 December 1925 and was appointed to West Point from the 21st Congressional District. His West Point classmates recall: "The hivey member of K-KO's fearsome threesome, Steve sat in the last row with his roommates on graduation. His big Irish smile and hot temper are both quickly brought out. Steve's easygoing manner and lack of worry make him a most enjoyable friend. Steve's ability at athletics and walking the area have made a lasting impression on K-KO and will leave a good impression wherever he goes from here." (The photo shows the Galligans with the Griesingers at WP.) During his cadet days Steve was a Catholic Acolyte all four years; was with the Radio Club cow year; on the Handball Team first class year serving as Team Captain; and was a Cadet Sergeant his first class year. Upon graduation Steve went in the Infantry and after completing the Basic Infantry Course at Fort Benning, Georgia reported to his first duty station. In 1958 Steve was appointed Company Commander with the 34th Infantry Regiment in Korea where he served until 1959. Steve was then assigned to the Comptroller's Office at Fort Riley, Kansas a position he held until from 1959 to 1963 when he was assigned to Headquarters, United States Army Reserve, Europe and served until 1968 and was awarded the Commendation Medal for distinguished service. In 1968 Steve attended the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and on completion was ordered to Republic of Vietnam as Company Commander of 2/16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division where he served until 1969 and was decorated with the Silver Star for distinguished gallantry in action; two Legions of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services; the Distinguished Flying Cross for distinguished heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. Steve was also awarded the Soldier's Medal for distinguished heroism not involving conflict with an enemy; the Bronze Star Medal for distinguished heroism against an enemy; 7 Air Medals for meritorious achievement beyond that normally expected, while participating in aerial flight; and the Purple Heart for wounds in action against an enemy. In 1971 Steve attended the Air War College at Maxwell AFB and on completion was assigned to Auburn University as Professor of Military Science where he served until 1972. Steve's next assignment was as Commanding Officer of the Computer Systems Command Support Group a position he held until 1975 and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for conspicuously meritorious performance of duty in a non-combat situation. Steve's last military assignment was as Commanding Officer of Ammunition Support Systems Agency where he served from 1975 until 1978 when he retired from the United States Army as a Colonel. Steve died on November 28, 1996. Several classmates were in attendance at the funeral service. jac; 18430, wc 457 (10/12/2000)

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