World War II Honoree

Kenneth E. Balge

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

North Bethesda, Maryland

Honored By

Mrs. Terese B. Ripa

Relationship

Daughter

SERVED AS A RANGER WITH THE 14TH INFANTRY REGIMENT, 71ST DIVISION. ENLISTED IN MILITARY SERVICE ON DECEMBER 12, 1942. HE ENTERED WAR AT SOUTHERN FRANCE AND PERFORMED INTELLIGENCE AND RECONNAISSANCE THROUGHOUT FRANCE, GERMANY AND AUSTRIA. WAS WITH THE UNIT THAT MET THE RUSSIAN MILITARY FORCES EAST OF STEYR, AUSTRIA; THUS THE END OF WWII. AWARDED THE SILVER STAR, BRONZE STAR, BRONZE STAR WITH OAK LEAF CLUSTER, AS WELL AS THE PURPLE HEART MEDAL FOR BRAVERY AND DEVOTION TO DUTY WHILE UNDER HEAVY ENEMY FIRE. IN 2001, HE WAS NOMINATED AS A DISTINGUISHED MEMBER OF THE 14TH INFANTRY REGIMENT ALONG WITH 11 OTHERS, INCLUDING GENERAL HENRY H. SHELTON. DECEASED FEBRUARY 25, 2002.