Blackburn W. Ballard

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Blackburn W. Ballard, Corporal, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Verdun, France, October 9, 1918. Advancing alone ahead of his squad, in the face of unusual machine-gun fire, Corporal Ballard set out to attack a machine-gun nest. He so inspired his men that they came to his assistance, and under his direction, the stronghold was taken, together with many prisoners. While guarding the collected prisoners he was killed.