An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 7 Cpl pAtriCk gAllAgHEr (uSmC) The 50th Anniversary Mass of Cpl Patrick (Bob) Gallagher US Marine Corps was held on 30th March 2017 in St. Patrick's Church Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo. Cpl Gallagher was born in Derrintogher, Ballyahunis, Co Mayo on the 1st February 1944, and after emigrating to the USA in the 1960s and later voluntarily joining the US Army in 1966 and went to Vietnam was killed in action on the 30th March 1967 in Da Nang. Cpl Gallagher threw himself on a second grenade to save his comrades from death or serious injury and was awarded the prestigious Navy Cross to acknowledge his heroic actions. Photo: Armn Adam Murphy, PR Branch 1916 CEntEnAry CommEmorAtiVE mEdAl On the 8th April 2017, Brig Gen Peter O'Halloran ACOS presented the 1916 Centenary Commemorative Medal to members of 2 Bde CIS (RDF) in Cathal Brugha Bks. The Director of the CIS Corps, Col Maureen O'Brien was also in attendance. A new stained glass window was also unveiled in the Garrison Church in memory of deceased PDF/RDF CIS members and blessed Fr Dave Tyndall CF. Photo: Comdt Julian Ensor RDF nAVAl wAtCHkEEping AwArd Recently Todd Navigation's Managing Director, William Todd, presented the Todd Navigation Naval Watchkeeping Award to Sub Lt Aron Nutley. Aron was the top student during the practical phase of the Naval Service Watchkeeping Course. Todd Navigation provides the Irish Naval Service with admiralty charts and publications (paper and digital). 'tHE BloodS' FundrAiSing Members of the 3 Inf Bn, Kilkenny raised €6,500 for the Jack & Jill foundation and Enable Ireland. The money was raised in support of family members of 3 Inf Bn troops who receive assistance from both organisations. The Jack & Jill foundation assessed that this money will provide at least 140 care hours for a child in their care. Pictured is Lt Col Mark Brownen, OC 3 Inf Bn, Pte James Dooley dog handler and project initiator with Cpl Fionn (wolfhound) and representatives from both organisations. Photo: Lt Kevin Lanigan, 3 Inf Bn 41yrS oF mEritoriouS SErViCE Pte Christy Shiels, the Infantry School Military College, DFTC was promoted to the rank of Corporal on 23rd January 2017, following 41 years of meritorious service and distinguished conduct. Christy has given loyal and dedicated service throughout his career and is congratulated on this fantastic achievement. He is pictured with his family (L/R:) Maeve, Amanda (daughters), Christy, Kathleen (wife), Mairead (daughter), Ciaran (grandson) and Caoimhe (granddaughter). Photo: Sgt John Butler, Mil Col, DFTC

• Cover