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Robert Galaher Promotions
Another item from the file is dated January 7, 1942 is addressed to the Company Commander (Capain Erickson at the time) calling upon me for recommendations for troop promotions. Note, I have recommended Pvt. Galaher be promoted to Corporal (two stripes) skipping over the designation of PFC (Private 1st class). Obviously I was impressed with Bob Galaher as a soldier.
(The) memo relating to promotions dated January 1942 tells me that I must have been a three strip, buck sargeant to have been called upon to give recommendations within A-87th. I was drafted into the service in early June, 1941 at which time I was a private, a buck private after six months... and in January 1942 a three stripe buck sergeant advising the company commander on promotions??? Promotions came fast and easy in those days.
Harry C. Walsh
Postscript to letter dated November 0, 1998
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January 7 1942
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Memo to: Company Commander
Subject: Recommendations for Promotion
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For Sergeant
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Remarks
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P F C Whitehead
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This man is fully qualified and deserving of a sergeancy. Soldier is the most capable man in the first platoon for sergeant. The recommendation is unbiased and an hosest one.
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For Corporal -- In particular
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Pvt. Huotari
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Soldier has had two years in the infrantry. He is a successful graduate of N. C. O. school, and has at all times been an excellent prospect for stripes
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Pvt. Oakes
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Particularly well qualified in BAR work. With a little experience in the handling of men this soldier would develope into an unusually good non-com.
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Pvt. Phillips
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Yes, a scholar but a good soldier too. His qualities and his ambitions should produce a corporal above par.
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-2-
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For Corporal - Others
Pvt. Meridith
Pvt. Trantham
Pvt. Witchey
Pvt. Galaher
Pvt. Radosvich
For private lcl
Obviously -
Huotari
Oakes
Meridith
Trantham
Witchey
together with Curtis
Haney
Others -
Kluver
Wood
Ford
NOTE
PFC x§ should in no way be considered at this time for advancement. The soldier was relived as acting squad leader back at Fort Lewis. He was expelled from the NCO school. During maneuvers I twice placed him on extra fatique. He has never imrpessed me; I did not recommend him for PFC. He may excell in the manual of arms but certainly not otherwise. Sgt. Hurt together with his present squad leader, Cpl. Bronski, will no doubt share my feelings.
§name removed
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HEADQUARTERS
2662 MOUNTAIN WARFARE DETACHMENT
A.P.O. 512, U.S. ARMY |
| 201-P-Robert B. Galaher (EM) |
31 March 1945 |
SUBJECT: Commendation.
To: T/Sgt Robert B. Galaher
2662 Mountain Warfare Detachment
- During the past fifteen months we have been overseas together, I have carefully observed the results of your work. In view of your past skiing and mountaineering teaching experience, both civilian and military, your duties as an instructor in those subjects and as an advisor for the Detachment in all phases of Animal Management, and Animal Packing, made you a valuable asset to the Detachment.
- Your superior ability as an instructor, along with your ability to lead men, your attention to duty and your conduct as a soldier, attest to your willing cooperative help toward accomplishing our mission.
- It has been indeed a pleasure to have worked and associated with you in the past and with the close of this training program, I recommend you very highly in appreciation for the quality of work which you performed while under my command.
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HAZEL E. LINK
Major, Inf.
Commanding |
Only one detachment, five officers and fifteen men dispatched to a joint U.S. -British mountain school in the Apennines, really saw service at high altitude. These men, under the command of Captain H. E. Link, a Seattle ski racer, wound up . The enlisted men occupied Mussolini's quarters, and hung the dictator's crossed skis on the wall as a memento of the former tenant. The detachment led combat patrols with half a dozen British regiments, including the Household Cavalry. §
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Matthew Galaher may be contacted via e-mail at galaher@mac.com
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