Ronald Gallegos

Ronald Gallegos enlisted in the Marine Corps in August 1984, going on to service career that spanned nearly 30 years as a member of the Marine Corps, New Mexico National Guard and Army Reserves, including deployments to Kuwait and Iraq.

In July 2003, while working with the 877th Engineering Battalion, Gallegos was in the lead truck of a convoy leaving Baghdad, when the truck struck two IEDs along the roadway. While their vehicle was inoperable, Gallegos designated the Alternate Convoy Commander to complete the mission, before being evacuated.

Along with the Purple Heart, 1SG Gallegos was awarded numerous medals and commendations during his service, including the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, and more.

First Sergeant (1SG) Ronald Gallegos, a veteran who served in the U.S. Marine Corps, New Mexico Army National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserves, represented his fellow Purple Heart heroes as New Mexico’s during the 2023 Purple Heart Patriot Project Mission.