World War II Honoree
World War II Veteran
Richard Smiley 'Dick' Ballenger
Branch of Service
U.S. Army
Hometown
Duncan, South Carolina
Honored By
Robert S. Cox
SERVED IN THE EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN THEATER WITH THE 338TH INFANTRY REGIMENT, 85TH INFANTRY 'CUSTER' DIVISION. HIS UNIT STAGED AT CAMP PATRICK HENRY AT ORIANA, VIRGINIA ON DECEMBER 19, 1943 AWAITING OVERSEAS DEPLOYMENT. SAILED FROM THE HAMPTON ROADS PORT OF EMBARKATION ON DECEMBER 24, 1943 AND LANDED IN NORTH AFRICA AT CASABLANCA, MOROCCO ON JANUARY 2, 1944. SUBSEQUENTLY EMBARKED FOR ITALY AND ARRIVED IN NAPLES ON MARCH 27, 1944. HIS UNIT PARTICIPATED IN THE ROME-ARNO, NORTH APENNINES, AND PO VALLEY CAMPAIGNS. HONORABLY DISCHARGED AND ISSUED THE HONORABLE SERVICE LAPEL BUTTON.