Distinguished Service Cross Ballard, Mel R. *
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army Company C 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry, 199th LIB
Place and Date: Republic of Vietnam, 18 April 1968
Reason: For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: On 18 April 1968 Company C was conducting a reconnaissance-in-force operation through dense jungle vegetation in Bein Hoa Province when it came under violent small arms, automatic weapons and rocket fire from a well-entrenched, camouflaged enemy force. Demonstrating calm, decisive leadership, Sergeant Ballard reorganized his squad, maneuvered them on line and directed their return fire. As the company assaulted the entrenched enemy, it encountered a devastating fusillade of automatic weapons, claymore mine and rocket fire from the hostile positions which seriously wounded Sergeant Ballard and other members of his unit. Ordered to withdraw so that artillery barrages could be called in on the hostile positons, Sergeant Ballard observed several wounded comrads to his front. Refusing to withdraw, he remained in his position to provide covering fire and evacuate the wounded. In an inspiring display of courage and determination, Sergeant Ballad disregarded his own painful wounds and moved unhesitatingly through the dense vegetation, enemy fire, and supporting artillery barrages for more than three hours, carrying the wounded men to safety. When supporting artillery fire was lifted, Sergeant Ballard persisted in his valiant efforts to remove all the wounded from the battle area. As he moved toward a wounded man, he was struck down and mortally wounded by fragments from an exploding enemy rocket. Through his indomitable Spirit and profound courage, Sergeant Ballard saved the lives of six men and enabled the company to destroy the enemy force. Sergeant Ballard's heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Authority: By direction of the President under provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 25 July 1963.
* Posthumous award