Joe N. Ballard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joe Nathan Ballard
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Lieutenant General Joe N. Ballard, Chief of Engineers 1996-2000
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| Born | March 27, 1942 (age 83) Oakdale, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1965–2000 |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Commands held | Chief of Engineers |
| Wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards | Army Distinguished Service Medal |
Lieutenant General Joe Nathan Ballard was a brave officer in the U.S. Army. He was born on March 27, 1942. He fought in the Vietnam War and later became the Chief of Engineers. This was a very important job, and he was the first African-American to hold this position. He retired from the Army in 2000.
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Early Life and Education
Joe Nathan Ballard grew up in Oakdale, Louisiana. In 1965, he finished college at Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge. He earned a degree in electrical engineering. After college, he joined the Army Corps of Engineers as an officer.
A Career in the Army
Joe Ballard had a long and successful career in the Army. He served in many different places around the world.
Serving in Vietnam
During the Vietnam War, Joe Ballard served two tours of duty. First, he was a platoon leader, guiding a small group of soldiers. Later, he returned as a company commander, leading a larger group. He helped with important engineering tasks during the war.
Assignments Around the World
After Vietnam, Ballard continued to serve in various roles. He worked with the Fifth U.S. Army and the Recruiting Command. He also served in South Korea in 1978, helping with engineering plans for U.S. forces there.
Later, he worked at the Pentagon, which is the headquarters for the U.S. military. He was an important engineer in the Army Energy Office.
Leadership in Germany
In 1982, Ballard moved to West Germany. There, he commanded the 82nd Engineer Battalion. He later became the commander of the 18th Engineer Brigade. This meant he was in charge of many engineering projects for the U.S. Army in Europe.
Returning to the United States
When he came back to the U.S. in 1991, Ballard took on new leadership roles. He became the Assistant Commandant of the U.S. Army Engineer School. He also served as the Deputy Commanding General at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. This base is a major training center for engineers.
Chief of Engineers
President Bill Clinton chose Joe Ballard to be the Chief of Engineers. This role also made him the Commander of the United States Army Corps of Engineers. He started this important job on October 1, 1996. He led the Corps of Engineers until he retired on August 2, 2000.
During his time in the Army, Lieutenant General Ballard also continued his education. He earned a master's degree in engineering management. He also attended several advanced military colleges, like the United States Army War College.
Awards and Honors
Lieutenant General Ballard received many awards for his service. These awards show his bravery and dedication.
- (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters)
- (with Oak Leaf Cluster)
- (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters)
- (with Oak Leaf Cluster)
See also
- List of USACE Chiefs of Engineers
