Kansas City native, Donald E. Ballard enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1965 and became a Corpsman attached with M Co., 3rd Bn, 4th Marines.
During the afternoon hours of May 16, 1968, the Company 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 they were ambushed by a NVA 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, like it was no big deal, he calmly arose from his dangerous position and resolutely continued his determined efforts in treating other marine casualties.
For his actions, HC2c. Ballard was awarded the Medal of Honor. #zerofucks #nofucks #stayzero #america #badass #navy