Rank and organization: Hospital Corpsman Second Class, U.S. Navy, Company M, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division
Place: Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam
BALLARD, DONALD E.
Rank and organization: Hospital Corpsman Second Class, U.S. Navy, Company
M, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division
Place: Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam
Date: 16 May 1968
Entered service at: Kansas City, Missouri
Born: 5 December 1945. Kansas City, Missouri
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 3rd 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
fireswept 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.
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