Hospital Corpsman Second Class Donald E. Ballard
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life and beyond the call of duty while serving as a HC2c. with Company M, in connection with operations against enemy aggressor forces. During the afternoon hours, Company M was moving to join the remainder of the 3d Battalion in Quang Tri Province. After treating and evacuating 2 heat casualties, HC2c. Ballard was returning to his platoon from the evacuation landing zone when the company was ambushed by a North Vietnamese Army unit employing automatic weapons and mortars, and sustained numerous casualties. Observing a wounded marine, HC2c. Ballard unhesitatingly moved across the fire swept terrain to the injured man and swiftly rendered medical assistance to his comrade. HC2c. Ballard then directed 4 marines to carry the casualty to a position of relative safety. As the 4 men prepared to move the wounded marine, an enemy soldier suddenly left his concealed position and, after hurling a hand grenade which landed near the casualty, commenced firing upon the small group of men. Instantly shouting a warning to the marines, HC2c. Ballard fearlessly threw himself upon the lethal explosive device to protect his comrades from the deadly blast. When the grenade failed to detonate, he calmly arose from his dangerous position and resolutely continued his determined efforts in treating other marine casualties. HC2c. Ballard's heroic actions and selfless concern for the welfare of his companions served to inspire all who observed him and prevented possible injury or death to his fellow marines. His courage, daring initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, sustain and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
HC2c. Ballard: We humbly salute you and thank you for your service.
Hat tip Home of Heroes
There are seventy nine living MoH recipients today. Their names and their stories should not be forgotten. My mission is to honor one of those heroes here each week, and salute them for their courage and sacrifice. In the words of John Fitzgerald Kennedy:
“A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces, but also by the men it honors; the men it remembers.”
"HC2c. Ballard fearlessly threw himself upon the lethal explosive device to protect his comrades from the deadly blast."
ReplyDeleteJust by that one act, he definitely earned that award. Men like that are one in a million. Semper Fi sir.
One a side note, I wish you had the share a link feature at the bottom of your posts. Some of them, ierlike this one, needs to be shared. Besides that It makes it easier for me to steal stuff. ;)
I got to meet HC2C Ballard one year in Gainesville, TX. Every year, the 2nd week of April, all MoH recipients that are able to make the trip are hosted by the city. You should make the effort one year to go. On Saturday, there is a parade and a meet and greet after lunch. It is certain worth the time and effort. This year, I will be there on the 11th of April for the event.
ReplyDeleteGood "Medal of Honor host city" for more information.
"Google"
ReplyDeleteBallard deserves all the props he gets.
ReplyDelete"Easier to steal"? I already leave the door unlocked all night. Nobody here but me and Mr. Glock, Mr. Ruger, Mr. Remington and a few of our friends!
Feel free to repost stuff you find here, especially the Medal series. These guys can't get too much respect. A small acknowledgement of where you found it is all we ask!
I'll see if I can add a share feature, too.
Thanks! I'll put that on my calendar for next year. Good to know!
ReplyDeleteYou should really enjoy the event. I try to go annually, yet work often prevents that. I am going this year.
ReplyDeleteIt would be a real privilege to meet some of those guys.
ReplyDeleteYou would be correct. I suspect they think JK is a tool.
ReplyDeleteI would be disappointed if they did not! Heh.
ReplyDeleteI used to live 40 miles from Gainesville and never heard of this. It sure would be a honor to go meet these men.
ReplyDeleteThey have been doing this since 2001. It has never been advertised to my knowledge, except by word or mouth. Don't know where you are now, but if you are in driving range, the Saturday events are well worth the trip.
ReplyDeleteBud Day was lost last year. Such a gentleman. He has been on the wall of my Facebook page several times. One of the bravest men I ever had the pleasure to meet. He will be sorely missed.
ReplyDeleteIf you can get access to it, check the citation for Robert J. Modrzejewski and Richard A. Pittman. Their stories just make the hair on the back of my neck stand up. But what all these men have done is just phenomenal.
"But what all these men have done is just phenomenal." ~ OJ
ReplyDeleteDeserved to be said again.
I left Texas in 98, so that explains why I didn't know. I'm in Des Moines Iowa now. And this April 11th I'm already committed. Maybe I can arrange to be there next year. Semper Fi.
ReplyDeleteSemper Fi, Buddy.
ReplyDelete