(1913-2005) WW II Marine Aviator, awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions off the Solomon's. Galer graduated from the University of Washington in 1935 and the following year became a Marine Aviation Cadet receiving his wings that same year. Sent to the west coast he was stationed with the Marine Fighting Squadron VMF-2 and was stationed at Oahu at the time of the Pearl Harbor attack. Galer was given command of VMF-224 and went to Guadalcanal in May 1942. As leader of the Marine Fighter Squadron, Galer led his men in 29 days of almost nonstop combat against overwhelmingly superior forces. He personally downied 11 enemy bombers and fighter forces and for his action and leadership was awarded not even the Medal of Honor but the rare British Flying Cross. From 1943-45 he was Chief of Staff of the Hawaiian Area and then both taught and received further education. In was promoted to Colonel and in 1952 went to Korea where he soon commanded the Marine Aircraft Group 12 (MAG 12). On July 11, 1952 he was awared a gold star in lieu of a second Distinguished Cross for leading a group of 31 warplanes against a heavily guarded industrial area of Pyongyang. In less than a month he was shot down behind enemy lines while leading a raid against Wonsan and rescued by a helicopter. He was awarded 2 Legions of Merit for his Korean service. Galer graduated from the Air War College in July 1953 and became Assistant Director of the Navy Guided Missile Program, a post he held until 1955. In 1956 he was promoted to Major General and served as Acting Director of the Guided Missile Program from 1956 until he retired in 1957. Besides the Medal of Honor and the British Flying Cross he received 2 Legions of Merit, 2 American Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Purple Heart, 5 Air Medals, the Presidential Unit Citation with a Bronze Star, the Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, etc

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