The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Soldier’s Medal to Lieutenant Colonel (Armor) John L. Ballantyne, United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam on 16 August 1970. Lieutenant Colonel Ballantyne distinguished himself when an ammunition holding area at Di An Baser Camp caught fire and a series of explosions resulted. Colonel Ballantyne immediately directed the evacuation of a chapel, in which he was attending services, exposing himself to a series of blasts which destroyed the chapel. He then ran to the holding area to evacuate personnel and to direct them to safe positions. His quick thinking and decisive actions prevented numerous casualties and helped them to remain calm throughout the incident. Lieutenant Colonel Ballantyne’s heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Lieutenant Colonel (Armor) John L. Ballantyne, United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an armed enemy on 13 November 1970 while serving as the Commanding Officer of the 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, a tank suddenly burst into flames while on a tactical road march with a small convoy. All initial attempts by the vehicle crew to extinguish the burning vehicle were unsuccessful. Lieutenant Colonel Ballantyne, after being advised of the convoy’s distress, flew in his command and control helicopter to a nearby fire support base and picked up all available portable fire extinguishers. He then returned to the site of the still flaming vehicle and, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, climbed aboard it and proceeded to extinguish the blaze. He thus prevented the fuel and ammunition inside the vehicle from exploding and endangering the convoy. Lieutenant Colonel Ballantyne’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.