L/CPL NORMAN CASEY BALLARD,
Norman was, born to Edgar "Buster" Ballard, and Nancy Viola Whidden, just in time for Christmas, on December 24, 1948. He was the baby of the family with two older sisters and an older brother. They were, told he was their Christmas Present. He was a cute baby and everyone spoiled him, which only made him more loveable.
His hometown of Felda, Florida, Growing up in a rural area, Casey was an adventurous lad and had lots of good times together playing with his cousins and school chums. He was an active member of the 4-H Steer Club during high school, hoping to someday to have his own herd of cows. At 17, with his mother's signature, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. At 19 and single, he proudly began his tour of duty with the I CO, 3RD BN, 5TH MARINES, 1ST MARDIV, III MAF.
While serving as a Rifleman L/Cpl. Norman Casey Ballard became yet another gound casualty from hostile small arms gunfire on January 30, 1968, in Military Region 1 of Quang Nam Province, South Vietnam. One moment he was seen on the paddy dike, but disappearing the next. He was, killed during the TET Offensive in a battle called Operation Alamo.
He was, awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Action, National Defense, Vietnam Service s/ Bronze Star, Vietnam Campaign Medals, Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, and Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation.
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