Joe N. Ballard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joe Nathan Ballard
|
|
|---|---|
Lieutenant General Joe N. Ballard, Chief of Engineers 1996-2000
|
|
| Born | March 27, 1942 (age 83) Oakdale, Louisiana |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| 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 (born March 27, 1942) is a retired officer from the U.S. Army. He bravely served in the Vietnam War. General Ballard made history as the first African-American to become the Chief of Engineers. This is a very important leadership role in the Army.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Joe Nathan Ballard was born in Oakdale, Louisiana, on March 27, 1942. He went to Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In 1965, he earned a degree in electrical engineering. After college, he joined the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as an officer.
Military Career Highlights
General Ballard had a long and impressive career in the Army. He served in many different roles around the world.
Service in Vietnam
Ballard's first tour of duty was in South Vietnam. He led a group of soldiers called a platoon in the 84th Engineer Battalion. Later, he returned to Vietnam for a second time. He commanded a company in the 864th Engineer Battalion. He also worked as the Chief of the Lines of Communication Section for the 18th Engineer Brigade.
Assignments in the United States
After his time in Vietnam, Ballard came back to the U.S. He commanded a training company at Fort Polk. He also worked with the Fifth U.S. Army and the Army's Recruiting Command. Later, he became an Operations Officer and Executive Officer for the 326th Engineer Battalion. This battalion was part of the 101st Airborne Division.
Overseas Duties
In 1978, Ballard moved to South Korea. There, he served as an Operations Officer and Executive Officer for the U.S. Forces, Korea, Engineer staff. After Korea, he worked at the Pentagon. He was the main engineer in the Army Energy Office.
In 1982, he moved to West Germany. He commanded the 82nd Engineer Battalion. Later, he led the 18th Engineer Brigade. He also served as the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, Engineer, for the U.S. Army Europe.
Leadership Roles in the U.S.
Ballard returned to the United States in 1991. He became the Assistant Commandant of the U.S. Army Engineer School. He was also the Deputy Commanding General of the Engineer Center and Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. After another assignment at the Pentagon, he returned to Missouri. There, he became the Commanding General of the Engineer Center and Fort Leonard Wood.
Chief of Engineers
In 1996, President Bill Clinton chose Joe Ballard for a very important job. He became the Chief of Engineers and Commander of the United States Army Corps of Engineers. He was the first African-American to hold this high position. General Ballard served as Chief of Engineers from October 1, 1996, until he retired on August 2, 2000.
During his career, Lieutenant General Ballard continued his education. He earned a master's degree in engineering management from the University of Missouri–Rolla. He also completed several advanced military courses. These included the Command and General Staff College and the Army War College.
Awards and Recognition
Lieutenant General Ballard received many awards for his excellent service. These include:
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
See also
List of USACE Chiefs of Engineers
