Mr. Ballow was a WWII hero. He enlisted in the States Marine Corp on October 12, 1943, when he had just turned 17 years old. Laughing as he told the story about meeting the recruiter with two of his friends, he reminisced about how badly he wanted to join as soon as he heard the importance of joining the marines. He said that one friend was ineligible because of kidney disease and the other one was quickly denied parental approval because of only being 17 years old. But, when he asked his mother if he could join, she quickly replied, "Let me send for your birth certificate."
He loved bootcamp. He said, "the tougher, the better" and, he was definitely "the tougher". He was in the 1st Battalion, 1st Marine, 1st Division on the USS Texas.
He fought in the Battle of Peleliu which landed on September 15, 1944, under General Rupertus. The General had believed and told his marines that it would be over in about 3 to 4 days, but they fought for 10 days and had 56[[][%]] of the division in casualties which was 1,749 men.
Mr. Ballow was an automatic rifleman. He was wounded on May 5, 1945, in Okinawa and received a Purple Heart for his injuries. He had survived a Japanese sword attack as he stopped the sword with his bare hands. The marines captured the island of Okinawa in June 1945. Before his hands had healed, he was already wanting to go back to his duties as a marine.
Afterward, he was sent with his troops to North China to take part in the repatriation of former enemies within the area. He remained there until February 1949. His troop was deactivated in October 1949. At that time, he stayed in the marines becoming Sergeant in July 1951 of the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines. After retiring from the military, he began working for Boeing on space crafts. He retired from Boeing and returned to Drew County, Arkansas where his parents lived.
He was definitely a true hero to many. He touched the lives of many, many people, especially the students with whom he shared his military stories. He will continue to be loved and honored by those who knew him and by those who will learn about his dedicated life to his country and fellow man. He will be sorely missed. "Semper Fi and Oorah"
Mr. Ballow is survived by very special friends, Willie and Wanda Brennon, Sherry and Mark Knight, and Joe Lee Bennett.
Visitation will be Wednesday, December 11, 2024, from 11:00 - 12:00 a.m. at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home. Graveside Services with Military Honors will be Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. in Green Hill Cemetery in Green Hill, Arkansas. You can sign Mr. Ballow's guestbook here on his page.
Condolences(0)