Harold G Ballard

Harold was born on March 28, 1925 in Benton, Arkansas to Rena Fey and Clarence “Buck” Ballard, joining siblings Margaret and Charles. They grew up farming cotton.

With the eruption of World War II, Harold embarked upon a tour of unprecedented military infamy. As a US Marine, he landed on the most heavily fortified island in history, the sulfuric labyrinth of Iwo Jima. Witnessing the raising of both US flags on Day 4 of the battle, Harold fought alongside his buddies to secure the island. Tragically, within minutes he lost his two best friends, who were fighting beside him at the time.

On Day 27, an exhausted Private Ballard was wounded severely and evacuated to Guam. He was unconscious for over three days, finally awakening to the challenge of rehabilitation. On Iwo Jima, US Marine casualties far outnumbered those of the Japanese.

On July 28, 1949 he was honorably discharged, earning the rank of Corporal. Harold worked for the railroad before relocating to Tacoma, Washington. His first marriage produced two children, Pamela and J.D. from which grandchildren John, Angela, Lenny, Julie and Brandy were born. A third marriage delivered Harold to the love of his life, Leona Timmerick. Their union flourished for 55 years. They raised three children, Daniel, Susan and Collette. Grandchildren from this branch include, Lysette, Jessie, Velory, Leah, Christopher, Matthew, Danielle and Patrick.

Harold’s final decades were spent in Southern Oregon, working lumber mills where he eventually retired with his wife, Leona and family.

As an Iwo Jima survivor, in 1945, Harold emerged scarred physically and emotionally. Despite these wounds, he carried on in the resilient spirit embodied by the Marine motto, “Semper Fidelis,” always faithful to self, family and country- a life well lived.