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Photo Courtesy of HomeOfHeroes.com |
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During the afternoon hours, Navy Corpsman Ballard's platoon of Marines was moving to join the remainder of the Battalion in Quang Tri Province. After treating and evacuating two heat casualties, Corpsman Ballard was returning to his platoon from the evacuation landing zone when the company was ambushed by a North Vietnamese Army unit, and sustained numerous casualties. Observing a wounded Marine, he unhesitatingly moved across the fire swept terrain to the injured man and rendered medical assistance. He then directed four Marines to carry the casualty to a position of safety. As they prepared to move the wounded Marine, an enemy soldier left his concealed position and, after hurling a hand grenade which landed near the casualty, commenced firing upon the small group. Instantly shouting a warning to the Marines, Corpsman Ballard threw himself upon the lethal explosive device. When the grenade failed to detonate, he calmly arose from his dangerous position and resolutely continued his determined efforts in treating other Marine casualties. His 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. |
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Don Ballard joined the Kansas Army National Guard, retiring as a Colonel, after earning the Medal of Honor on active duty as a Navy Corpsman. |
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