John Henry Balch - Other Notable Decorations

Other Notable Decorations

• Distinguished Service Cross (Interservice Award from US Army)

…During the attack in the Bois-de-Belleau, Pharmacist's Mate Balch displayed conspicuous coolness under shell fire in evacuating wounded men. During the action near Vierzy, he worked unceasingly for sixteen hours, giving assistance to the wounded on a field torn by high explosive shells and covered by direct machine-gun fire. Near St. Etienne-aux-Arnes, he again gave proof of excellent judgment and courage in establishing an advance dressing station under violent shell and machine-gun fire, thereby saving many lives which would otherwise have been lost.

• 3 Silver Stars (Interservice Award from US Army)

…Pharmacist's Mate First Class Balch distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as a Corpsman attached to the Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action at Bois de Belleau, France. He was conspicuous for his coolness and the value of his work under shell fire, evacuating wounded men at the risk of his life, during our attack upon the enemy on the night of 6 June 1918.

…in action near Somme-Py, France, 5 October 1918. Pharmacist's Mate First Class Balch displayed extraordinary heroism and bravery in using the best judgment in establishing an advanced aid station during the most intense shell fire, thereby enabling him and his fellow Corpsmen to take better care of the wounded and saving many of their lives.

…distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as a Corpsman attached to the Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces. Pharmacist's Mate First Class Balch displayed extraordinary heroism and bravery in action on 5 October 1918, near St. Etienne-a-Arnes, France.

• Purple Heart
• French Croix de Guerre with Fourragère
• Italian War Merit Cross: Croce al Merito di Guerra
• Portuguese War Cross: Medalha da Cruz de Guerra