THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your bravery, as documented in your Silver Star citation, is inspiring. Rest in eternal peace.

We can never truly repay the great debt we owe our fallen heroes. Rest in peace LCPL. Ballin, I salute your brave soul. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Semper Fidelis!

Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. Thank you for stepping up and answering your country's call. Rest easy knowing you will never be forgotten.

Joe Magdaleno Ballin

Silver Star
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Lance Corporal
Battalion: 1st Battalion
Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF
GENERAL ORDERS:

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Joe Magdaleno Ballin, Jr. (MCSN: 2127236), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Platoon Radioman with Company D, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in Quang Tri Province on 16 September 1966. While on a reconnaissance patrol during Operation PRAIRIE, Lance Corporal Ballin was moving with the point element. The main body held up just outside a small cluster of native huts, and the point went forward to investigate. Detecting movement in a bunker, Lance Corporal Ballin shouted in his self-taught Vietnamese for the man to surrender, but with no result. He then threw a grenade into the bunker, killing the North Vietnamese soldier. A short time later, he noticed another enemy approaching the unit's position unobserved. Reacting instantly, he ran to the nearest Marine, seized his weapon and shot the enemy, who was by this time not more than 15 meters away. Later, as the platoon was digging in for the night, a sniper shot and wounded a team leader. Firing from a well concealed position, the sniper was able to keep one portion of the defensive perimeter pinned down and unable to dig in; in addition, he was able to deliver deadly fire into Bravo Company as it tried to enter the perimeter. Without regard for his own life, Lance Corporal Ballin volunteered to go out after the sniper. Maneuvering stealthily under the hail of incoming automatic weapons and small arms fire, he worked forward to a position from which he could shoot the sniper. Mission accomplished, he was fatally wounded as he moved back toward friendly lines. His quick thinking and fact reactions resulted in three confirmed kills and the capture of two automatic weapons, as well as the saving of the lives of many of his fellow Marines. His selfless actions, utter disregard for his own personal safety, indomitable fighting spirit in the face of overwhelming odds, and his fearless and courageous devotion to duty, above and beyond the call of duty were an inspiration to all who fought with him. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

The old men create wars the young men fight the wars.
You were so young joe.

CW5 Ray Ballin