The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Gunner’s Mate Second Class Jack F. Ballard (NSN: 5546876), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as Gunner’s Mate in charge of a five inch handling room in the U.S.S. HALSEY POWELL (DD-686), off Kyushu, Japan, on 20 March 1945. While under attack by a suicide Japanese aircraft, with complete disregard for his own safety, he remained in the burning compartment adjacent to the handling room, while powder cases were exposed to fire and the magazines were in danger of exploding. In spite of heavy flames caused from burning gasoline from the plane he made an attempt to open the handling room sprinkling valve. Although unsuccessful, he then assisted in evacuating an injured and badly burned man, receiving burns upon the face and hands. His inspiring devotion to duty and courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.