2019 Winner of the Navarro-Garcia Patriots Award Fiske Hanley WW2 Combat Vet is congratulated by Matthew Sills and Felix Acree
2019 Medal of Honor Dinner and Fundraiser
Donald E. Ballard
This page refers to the (past) 2019 Medal of Honor Dinner. Details for the upcoming Medal of Honor Dinner 2020 will be posted as soon as they become available.
A Medal of Honor dinner and fundraiser will take place at the Corsicana Country Club on Friday night May 17, at 6:30pm
The guest of honor for 2019 is Medal of Honor recipient from Vietnam, Col. Don Ballard.
You can obtain tickets by calling (430) 775-0856, or you can contact us by using our contact form.
Donald E. Ballard received the Medal of Honor 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.
You can view the full Citation at the Congressional Medal of Honor Society: Medal of Honor Citation for Donald E. Ballard.