An Irish immigrant from Long Island who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam is being honored today in New York City.

The United States Navy has named one of its ships the USS Gallagher. The ship is being named after Marine Corporal Patrick “Bob” Gallagher, who settled on Long Island in 1962.

While serving in Vietnam, Gallagher was given the nation’s second highest military honor, the Navy Cross.

Gallagher dove on a live grenade to protect his fellow troops.

Gallagher survived the blast, but tragically died in a firefight days before his tour was up.