Korean War
| Service # | 3253620 |
|---|---|
| Unit | 35 COMPRON |
| Rank | Aviation Electronics Technician, First Airman U.S. Navy |
| Date of Death | August 26 1951 |
| Status | Missing In Action |
| Memorialized |
Courts of the Missing
Court
8
Honolulu Memorial |
Combat Action Ribbon (Navy)
Korean Service Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Purple Heart
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
United Nations Service Medal
Aviation Electronics Technician First Airman Balch was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.
Notes
Aviation Electronics Technician First Airman Balch was the radarman on a AD-4Q Skyraider dive bomber with Composite Squadron 35 aboard the carrier USS ESSEX (CV-9). On August 26, 1951, his aircraft burst into flames and crashed into the sea about five minutes after takeoff. His remains were not recovered. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.