The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Robert MacQueen Ballinger, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity on the morning of 23 September 1964 in action against enemy aggressor forces while serving as Advisor to the 21st River Assault Group, Vietnamese Navy. When the boats of his assault group were subjected to intense automatic weapons and recoilless rifle fire from a Viet Cong force hidden along both sides of the Ben Tre River in Kien Hoa Province, Lieutenant Ballinger promptly and skillfully manned and operated an 81-mm. mortar, delivered accurate and devastating fire on the enemy positions. Following his example, the assault group brought all their fire to bear on the Viet Cong and succeeded in routing the attackers and inflicting numerous casualties. By his outstanding leadership and cool courage in the face of hostile fire, Lieutenant Ballinger upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderAction Date:
August 5, 1973 – November 20, 1974
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Legion of Merit (Posthumously) to Commander Robert MacQueen Ballinger, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Assistant Secretary, and as Chief, Operations Branch, Armistice Affairs Division, Headquarters, United Nations Command from 5 August 1973 to 20 November 1974. An extremely professional and conscientious leader, Commander Ballinger was responsible for investigating alleged Armistice violations and for the coordination and preparation of all substantiating materials required during meetings of the Military Armistice Commission, a task with far-ranging military and political implications. Through his mature judgment and military/political expertise, he set the United Nations Command’s strategy in countering North Korean tactics during Military Armistice Commission negotiations. On 20 November 1974, Commander Ballinger was fatally wounded as the result of an explosion which occurred in a tunnel built by North Koreans in violation of the Armistice agreement. By his outstanding leadership and selfless devotion to duty, Commander Ballinger upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.