We recently received these great pictures and info from Bill Giesin along with the information - enjoy! The pictures are below.

Bill Giesin, namesake nephew of Pfc. William A. Gallagher, here.  Just returned from the christening of the USS Makin Island, and what a great event that was.  Makin Island Raiders Brian Quirk, Ken MacCullough, Ken Merrill, Bill Nugent, etc. attended.  I even had an opportunity to shake hands with General Haggee, the Commandant of the United States Marine Corps.  Anyway this got me to thinking whether or not I had sent you some photos of my Uncle Bill.  Consequently I am enclosing a couple with this e-mail. These photos have an amazing story behind them.

A man names H.C. Schryver, Jr in Vanderpool, TX sent me the three photos of my Uncle Bill Gallagher on August 13, 2003.  He had these photos for some time with a letter that said the following;

Dear Mr. Giesin -

Many years ago, in April 1941, I joined the Marine Corps.  In "Boot Camp" my best friend was Bill Gallagher.  In these days we lived two men to a tent and my tent buddy was Bill.  We became best friends.  Afer Boot Camp we got together quite often.  I remember he was from Michigan and was the best swimmer I ever knew.  In San Diego, California we would go to the swimming pool at the YMCA where Bill taught me how to swim.  Many times we went to Los Angeles - I had a sister-in-law who lived there and she had friend who went with ill when we were in Los Angeles.  When the war broke out Bill volunteered for the Marine Corps Raiders.  He came to the fire station where I was assigned and tried to get me to join too.  I turned him down.  In a way I wish I had joined the Raiders.  Before long he went over seas.  In July 1942 I got a letter from him.  I saved that letter and am it to you.  I answered his letter and it was returned  to me marked "deceased".  It really hurt me and I've never forgotten him all these many years.  I knew he was taken from us at makin Island.  Occasionally certain publication mention the Raiders and I get in touch with ex-marines mentioned in the articles to see if they knew my good friend, Bill.  My most recent call was a retired Marine - B.J. Quirk from Chicago, Illinois.  he gave me your address saying Bill was your Uncle.  If correct, I just want to write and say I knew him to be a real great guy.  I am sending some pictures -which you may keep - and the long saved letter.  If you are his nephew and wish to keep the letter you may - but if not I would like to have it back.  I had better close and get this mailed.  Greetings from an old Retired Marifne from Texas.  Yes, I stayed in the Corps and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.  Sincerely H.C. Schryver 

July 19, 1942

Hi; H.C.,

     I should have wrote you a long time ago but it kept slipping my mind.  I suppose you're quite busy at the Dept. putting out fires and such.  You know course that Edwards got into the censored/cut out same outfit as I.  Boy is he a dope.  Have you ever heard from Eva Mae lately?  She sure was a nice girl.  I could hide myself for not going up to L.A. and seeing her.  If you ever see her again give her my regards, also your sister in law.  you sure have a swell post.  Hold on to it long as you can.  I wish I were a fire man at Camp Elliot right now.  My buddies from back home got in the "Air Corps".  I guess I told you about him. 

    Well, H.C., how about dropping me a few lines giving me the dope on things back at Elliot.  My address is on the envelope.  Bill.

The photos of my Uncle Bill's Marine Raider knife were sent to me by a knife collector who lives in Louisianna back around 1999.  He had contacted Marine Raider Jerry Beau as the engraving on the knife said "W A Gallagher Marine Raider USMC".  Jerry Beau was kind enough to give me the man's phone number and address.  I later learned that the man bought the knife at a Gun & Knife show located (of all places) at the Kentucky State Fairgrounds about 12 miles from my home.  I tried to buy the knife from him but was unable to do so.

I just thought I'd share these stories with you after all this time it still amazes me as to how my uncle and the Marine Raiders keep resurfacing.  Truly they were the best of the best.