Gerald Galant

Gerald Galant entered the Army on April 1, 1969, serving with Company B, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam.

On November 16, 1969, while out on patrol, a fellow soldier stepped on a land mine and was killed instantly. Debris from the explosion struck Galant in the arm and upper thigh, severing the popliteal artery in his right leg and shattering his knee. He was airlifted to Cu Chi, hospitalized for a month in Japan, and then spent six months in a full body cast at Valley Forge General Hospital, in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. His recovery required multiple surgeries.

Along with his Purple Heart, SP4 Galant received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Air Medal.

Married for 54 years to his high school sweetheart, SP4 Galant is the father of two daughters.

Galant owned a custom cabinet shop for 18 years before later serving as the parks director for the City of Avon. He donates woodworking and carving projects to local schools, including birdhouses, raised garden beds, and blessing boxes for food donations. He is active in VFW Post 7035, where he served as surgeon, and recently received the 2025 Community Service Award.