Don "Doc" Ballard USN/USA

[Forestboy]

This weekend I had the pleasure of being there when my good friend Drifter372 got married. His father was saved by Doc Ballard in Vietnam. After he saved Tom Senior he earned the MOH. Doc was also the recipient of 8 or 9 Purple Hearts, he would shield his Marines with his body while working on them.

Below is a picture of Doc with the Bride and Groom, the Gentleman in civilian attire are Tom Senior and Phil who were both with Doc in 3rd Bn 4th Marines.

Doc Ballard is a GREAT American and it was an Honor to meet him.

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

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.

[namor]

I also had the honor of meeting Doc - he frequently attends the Fourth of July parade in Paramus, NJ. Very pleasant fellow who is down to earth and fiercely protective of all Navy Corpsmen!

[Dragbag]

I still stay in touch with the ones I served with, Marines will forever be grateful to them

[Trig]

Damn,...his action in that citation is wild. Very cool. Thanks for sharing.