BALLHEIM, Richard A., Pfc. 1946-1968

BALLHEIM

Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 3/7/2013 at 15:21:08

[Progress Review, Wednesday, January 31, 1968, La Porte City, Iowa]

RICHARD BALLHEIM FATALLY
WOUNDED BY ENEMY MORTAR

Mr. and Mrs. Gale Ballheim, 609 Commercial Street, La Porte City, received word Monday from the Secretary of the Army that their son, 21 year old Pfc. Richard A. Ballheim had been killed in Viet Nam Sunday, January 28, 1968.

Ballheim died of wounds received while unloading a truck in a forward base camp when a hostile mortar exploded nearby.

Dick is the first soldier from La Porte to be killed in the Viet Nam war. He arrived In Viet Nam on December 18, 1967, and was stationed with Co. A, 1-Uh Infantry, 23th Division, U.S. Army. He entered the service July 12, 19G7, and was stationed at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky where he received his basic training. He was then transferred to Ft. Polk, Louisiana for advanced training and was then sent to Viet Nam.

Dick was born November 5, 1946 at La Porte City. He attended La Porte City Community High School and graduated in the class of 1965. He was active in football, basketball and track and was president of his senior class.

He is survived by his parents and three brothers: Bob and John at home, and Jim who lives in Skokie, Illinois.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

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Gravestone shows middle initial of "A."

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