Robert Edward Galer

Eleven enemy aircraft destroyed in just 29 days. A fighter squadron that brought down 27 Japanese planes. And a Marine aviator whose courage would carry him through two of America's fiercest wars. Brigadier General Robert Edward Galer was more than a World War II fighter ace. He was a Medal of Honor recipient whose extraordinary leadership over Guadalcanal helped turn the tide of the air war in the Pacific.

Born on October 24, 1913, in Seattle, Washington, Galer graduated from the University of Washington in 1935 and earned his naval aviator wings in April 1937. Commissioned into the United States Marine Corps, he developed into a skilled fighter pilot and was stationed at Ewa, Hawaii, when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Within months, he would find himself commanding Marine Fighting Squadron 224 (VMF-224), flying F4F Wildcat fighters in the desperate struggle for Guadalcanal.

Between August and September 1942, Major Galer repeatedly led his outnumbered squadron against Japanese bombers and fighters. Flying at altitudes exceeding 25,000 feet, he pursued enemy aircraft despite exhausting combat conditions and overwhelming opposition. His Medal of Honor citation credited him with personally destroying 11 Japanese aircraft in 29 days, while his squadron accounted for 27. The citation praised his exceptional flying ability, personal courage, and inspiring leadership, recognizing heroism far beyond the call of duty. President Franklin D. Roosevelt personally presented him the Medal of Honor at the White House on March 24, 1943. Britain also recognized the same extraordinary combat leadership by awarding him the Distinguished Flying Cross.

But Guadalcanal was not the end of Galer's combat story. His distinguished World War II service included further Pacific assignments, and his aviation achievements earned him the American Distinguished Flying Cross, five awards of the Air Medal, and the Purple Heart. His wartime record reflected not only his skill in aerial combat but also his determination to continue serving despite the constant dangers faced by Marine pilots.

A decade later, during the Korean War, Colonel Galer returned to combat as commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 12, part of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. On July 11, 1952, he led a major Marine air strike against a heavily defended industrial area in Pyongyang, North Korea. His Distinguished Flying Cross citation recognized this extraordinary achievement in aerial flight, earning him a Gold Star representing his second award. His exceptional combat leadership from May 24 to August 5, 1952, also earned the Legion of Merit with Combat V.

Then came another dramatic test of survival. On August 5, 1952, enemy antiaircraft fire brought down Galer's aircraft deep inside North Korea. Injured and stranded behind enemy lines, he evaded capture until a daring helicopter rescue brought him to safety. His experience demonstrated the extraordinary risks that Marine aviators continued to face long after the Second World War had ended.

Galer's service also earned recognition through American and allied unit citations, including the Navy Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. These honours reflected the collective achievements of formations that fought in some of the Pacific and Korean wars' most demanding operations.

After recovering from his injuries, Galer continued serving in senior Marine aviation and headquarters positions, eventually contributing to the Navy's guided missile programs. He retired on July 31, 1957, receiving advancement to brigadier general in recognition of his exceptionally meritorious combat service.

Robert Edward Galer died on June 27, 2005, at the age of 91 and was buried with military honours at the Texas State Cemetery in Austin. His legacy extends far beyond his aerial victories or impressive military decorations. From the skies over Guadalcanal to the heavily defended battlefields of Korea, Galer demonstrated that true military heroism is measured not only by enemies defeated, but by courage under fire, leadership in adversity, and an unwavering commitment to those who serve alongside you.