Preparations are under way in Co Mayo to mark the 50th anniversary of the death of a local man who died fighting for the US military in Vietnam.

Patrick Gallagher grew up in Derrintogher, outside Ballyhaunis, before emigrating to the US in 1963, where he initially worked as a carpenter before enrolling in law school.

He was taken by his new homeland and was involved in campaigning for Bobby Kennedy in the mid-1960s.

Realising that he could be conscripted into the armed forces at the time, he took the decision to volunteer for the US Marine Corps. He was trained in San Diego and returned home to Ireland for a visit in February 1966.

He told his parents and family that he had joined the Marines but did not tell them that he was being deployed to Vietnam the following month.

For most of his time fighting there, his letters home led his family to believe he was still stationed in the US.

However, the role he played in safeguarding fellow platoon members in an ambush brought him to prominence in the US and around Europe.

His family learned that he was in Vietnam when news emerged that he was being awarded the Navy Cross for bravery.

He was presented with the honour less than a month before he was due to complete his tour of duty.

However, as plans were made to welcome Corporal Gallagher home, he was killed with a number of fellow Marines days before they were due to depart.

His remains were flown back to Ireland and he was buried with full military honours in Ballyhaunis in March 1967. A white marble headstone, typical of those seen at the graves of US army personnel, was erected at his grave.

His family subsequently received a citation from the US Military recognising his service but turned down the offer of a posthumous Medal of Honor.

In the five decades since his death, members of the American Legion have travelled to Mayo each March to place an American flag on his grave.

Locals plan to honour his life with a number of special events next March.

Plans for the commemoration have been welcomed by the Gallagher family, who will loan several items of memorabilia for a special exhibition to mark the short life of their brother and uncle.

A documentary on the life of Patrick Gallagher - Mayo Boy, Vietnam Hero - will be broadcast on RTÉ Radio One tomorrow afternoon at 2pm.