World War I
John Henry Balch
Pharmacist's Mate First Class · U.S. Navy
U.S. Navy
5 October 1918 · Vierzy, France, Somme Py, France
Public domain. Photo #: NH 79437 NHHC Collection http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/awd/us-indiv/balch/j-balch.htm Source file
- Branch
- U.S. Navy
- Era
- World War I
- Home state
- Missouri
- Action
- Vierzy, France, Somme Py, France
The citation
Official citation
For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, with the 6th Regiment, U.S. Marines, in action at Vierzy, on 19 July 1918. Balch unhesitatingly and fearlessly exposed himself to terrific machinegun and high-explosive fire to succor the wounded as they fell in the attack, leaving his dressing station voluntarily and keeping up the work all day and late into the night unceasingly for 16 hours. Also in the action at Somme-Py on 5 October 1918, he exhibited exceptional bravery in establishing an advanced dressing station under heavy shellfire.
Sources
- U.S. Army Medal of Honor citation index
- Wikipedia. Linked only. The article text is not copied here.