[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 123 (Wednesday, September 18, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H5632]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING COLONEL DONALD E. BALLARD

  (Mr. YOHO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. YOHO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the valiant efforts of 
Colonel Donald Everett Ballard of the Kansas National Guard and 
formerly of the United States Navy.
  Colonel Ballard, a Corpsman Second Class at the time, was with the 
3rd Marine Division and was awarded the Medal of Honor for extreme 
fortitude and gallantry in action on May 16, 1968, in Vietnam.
  Colonel Ballard's company was ambushed as they were evacuating a 
landing zone. Upon seeing wounded fellow marines, Colonel Ballard 
braved enemy fire to render medical assistance. As they prepared to 
move the wounded marines, an enemy soldier hurled a grenade that landed 
near the marines. After shouting a warning, Colonel Ballard threw 
himself upon the grenade to protect his fellow soldiers from the blast. 
When the grenade failed to detonate, Colonel Ballard continued his 
treatment and saved countless marines.
  It is for his courage and unwavering devotion to duty that I am proud 
to honor and remember the actions of Colonel Donald Everett Ballard.

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