March Air Reserve Base in Riverside County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
John Henry Balch
Medal of Honor
Photographed By Adam Margolis, May 26, 2023
1. John Henry Balch Marker
Pharmacist's Mate First Class,
3 Battalion, 6th Marine
Regiment, 2nd Marine Division,
United States Marine Corps
United States Navy
Citation:
Vierzy, France, and Somme-Py, France July 19, and October 5, 1918
For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, with the 6th Regiment, U.S. Marines, in action at Vierzy, on 19 July 1918. Balch unhesitatingly and fearlessly exposed himself to terrific machinegun and high-explosive fire to succor the wounded as they fell in the attack, leaving his dressing station voluntarily and keeping up the work all day and late into the night unceasingly for 16 hours. Also in the action at Somme-Py on 5 October 1918, he exhibited exceptional bravery in establishing an advanced dressing station under heavy shellfire.
Section 2 Site 1925
Topics and series. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • War, World I. In addition, it is included in the Medal of Honor Recipients series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 19, 1918.
Location. 33° 53.126′ N, 117° 16.72′ W. Marker is in March Air Reserve Base, California, in Riverside County. Memorial is on Van Buren Boulevard. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lewis L. Millett Sr. (here, next to this marker); Veterans Memorial (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); 3rd Infantry Division (about 500 feet away); Thirtieth Flight Order of Daedalians (about 600 feet away); National POW MIA Memorial (about 700 feet away); Ysmael R. Villegas (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mitchell Paige (approx. 0.6 miles away); Walter D. Ehlers (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in March Air Reserve Base.
Photographed By Adam Margolis, May 26, 2023
2. John Henry Balch Marker
Marker is the rightmost one of the two pictured.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 22, 2023, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 55 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 22, 2023, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
