Francis
L. Gallen,Chief,
Budget and Fiscal Services Division, retired from active duty
in the 
Coast
and Geodetic Survey, U.S. Department of Commerce, on July
1, 1955, after serving with the Bureau for a period of nearly
38 years.
Captain Gallen was born June 19, 1985, in Somerville, Massachusetts.
He received his education at Tufts College, graduating with
the degree of Bachelor of Science in engineering. On August
14, 1917, he entered on duty in the Coast and Geodetic Survey
and has advanced successively through the various ranks to
his present position.
His first assignment was sea duty aboard the Schooner MATCHLESS
as Junior Officer engaged on hydrographic surveys along the
North Carolina Coast, following which he served as Junior
and Executive Officer on wire-drag parties operating in New
England waters. His later sea duties were aboard various ships
of the Bureau engaged on hydrographic surveys of the Philippine
and Hawaiian Islands, in Alaska, and along the Atlantic, Pacific,
and Gulf Coasts of the United States. He also served as chief
of geodetic field parties in various states throughout the
country.
From 1926 to 1927, he served as Supervisor of the Bureau's
Southern District in New Orleans, and from 1941 to 1942, as
Supervisor of the Northeastern District in Boston. His last
field assignment prior to duty in the Washington Office was
in 1946 as Commanding Officer of the Ship EXPLORER engaged
on combined operations in Alaska.
As Chief of the Budget and Fiscal Services Division, Captain
Galled has held the primary responsibility for providing a
budgetary and fiscal program for the Washington office and
field service of the Coast and Geodetic Survey. He has also
been responsible for the administrative examination and certification
for payment of all vouchers for the Bureau; approval of all
expenditures; administration of travel and transportation
for all Bureau personnel; preparation, maintenance, and control
of office and field payrolls, leave, and retirement; and administration
of the commissioned personnel program for active and retired
officers. He has also held the designation of Accounting Officer
for the Bureau.
In 1953 Captain Gallen received a commendation from the Assistant
Secretary of the Air Force for his outstanding service and
participation in per diem, travel, and transportation allowance
committee activities. During the period of this assignment,
Captain Gallen visited various countries in Europe, Africa,
and the Orient. Among the organizations in which he holds
membership are the Society of American Military Engineers,
Washington Society of Engineers, Federal Business Men's Association,
and Knights of Columbus.
Captain and Mrs. Gallen reside at 1901 North Nottingham Street,
Arlington, Virginia. Their three children are John and Lawrence,
of the Arlington address, and Mary Gallen Kearns, who lives
in Atlanta, Georgia. Captain Gallen parents were natives of
County Caven, Ireland, a place he hopes to visit during his
retirement. Although he has traveled extensively throughout
Europe, his official duties have never required a visit to
Ireland.
The Buzzard, 6/30/1955
