Edward Joseph " Pally-Boy" Gallant was born on March 29, 1922 in Waltham, Massachusetts. Gallant was awarded the Silver Star for his heroism during Operation Diadem in May 1944 on Monte Damiano (Cianelli). SILVER STAR CITATIONThe President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Edward J. Gallant (ASN: 31237767), United States Army, for gallantry in action. On 11 - 12 May 1944, on Hill # 316 in the vicinity of Mt. Cianelli near Ventosa, Italy, Private First Class Gallant placed himself voluntarily in advance of his company, disregarding the continuous and murderous enemy artillery, mortar and small arms fire. Although a mine exploding near him threw him to the rocky ground, stunning and bruising him, and enemy artillery shells were bursting around him, he proceeded ahead of his platoon when they were pinned down by fire from four enemy machine guns less than one hundred yards away. He laid down fire from his Browning automatic rifle with deadly precision, which knocked out the enemy machine guns and allowed the platoon to press forward. Private First Class Gallant again voluntarily advanced ahead of his company during the daylight attack of the following morning and wiped out four more machine gun nests which were holding up the advance of the company. This action made it possible for the company to take its part of the battalion objective. He also accompanied a combat patrol later sent to wipe out enemy positions on the rear slope of Hill # 316, giving the patrol accurate supporting rifle fire until he was wounded. He accounted for eight dead, three wounded and three captured. His courage and bravery, plus an unusual amount of initiative, served as an inspiration to his fellow soldiers and proved instrumental in the success of the day's battle. His heroic deeds are a credit to the highest standards of the armed forces."