Background
A native of Oakdale, Louisiana, Ballard was born on March 27, 1942.
engineer executive army officer commander
A native of Oakdale, Louisiana, Ballard was born on March 27, 1942.
He graduated in 1965 from Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with a degree in electrical engineering after which he received a commission in the Corps of Engineers. Later, he attended the Engineer Officer Advanced Course at Fort Belvoir before returning for his second tour in Vietnam as a company commander in the 864th Engineer Battalion and as the Chief, Lincolnshire of Communication Section in the 18th Engineer Brigade (Airborne).
Ballard served as a platoon leader in the 84th Engineer Battalion during his first tour of duty in Vietnam. He then returned to the United States and commanded a training company at Fort Polk. Following assignments with the Fifth United States. Army and the Recruiting Command, he was Operations Officer and Executive Officer of the 326th Engineer Battalion, 101st Airborne Division.
In 1978 he went to South of Korea where he served as Operations Officer and later as the Executive Officer on the staff of the United States. Forces, of Korea, Engineer.
In 1982 he moved to another overseas theater as Commander of the 82d Engineer Battalion, 7th Engineer Brigade, in West Germany. Ballard served as Chief of Engineers from October 1, 1996 until his retirement on August 2, 2000.
During his career, Lieutenant General Ballard earned a master"s degree in engineering management from the University of Missouri–Rolla and graduated from the Engineer Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the Command and General Staff College, and the Army War College. Decorations and badges
Army Distinguished Service Medal
Legion of Merit (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters)
Bronze Star (with Oak Leaf Cluster)
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters)
Army Commendation Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster)
Army Staff Identification Badge.