World War II Honoree

Richard P. Gallagher

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Weymouth, Massachusetts

Honored By

BSA Troop 9 Weymouth & R. M. Thomas

Relationship

Friends

PRIVATE. HE WAS CAPTURED BY THE GERMANS DURING THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE WHEN HIS COMPANY WAS COMPLETELY CUT OFF. AFTER A 45 MILE MARCH, WITHOUT FOOD, THE AMERICAN PRISONERS WERE PACKED INTO BOX CARS WHERE THEY SPENT 5 DAYS, INCLUDING CHRISTMAS, WITH ONLY 2 MEALS EN ROUTE. THEIR FIRST MEAL AFTER ARRIVAL AT NOTORIOUS STALAG 9-B CONSISTED OF BREAD SPREAD WITH A MOLASSES-LIKE SUBSTANCE. HE SPENT OVER 4 MONTHS AS A PRISONER UNTIL LIBERATED BY GENERAL PATTON'S 3RD ARMY.