The following is the full text of an e-mail sent to the person, Jim Mcllhenney, who posted the newspaper death notice on this site. Thank you sir.
Today I was doing a trip down memory lane, one I now wish I would have skipped. But once you start.........
In 1964/65 I served in Phan Thiet, Vietnam with a FAC pilot named Capt. Ballou who had been a KC 135 pilot prior to his tour in Vietnam. All the details that I have come up with in the last hour lead me to believe that the Maj. Ballou in the newspaper notice you posted and my friend/pilot are one and the same. He was killed in Laos November 7, 1968 a member of the Ravens group, quite a history there I find.
I don't know what your relationship with Charles was, but if you are family or have contact with the family please pass on my condolences and sincere regrets for their loss, and this message if you wish. Capt. Ballou was one of America's real heroes and he was one to me on a more personal level.
I met Capt. Ballou at Ben Hoa airstrip (me being a very nervous enlisted radio operator), waiting for a pick-up flight to Phan Thiet . We talked and I told him, as were getting on the 2 seat, L19 Fac aircraft, that I never used a parachute before. Hed replied they are more valuable to sit on than being used to jump.
Months later we were on a flight when we had two instances of severe engine trouble, but with his skill as a pilot he was able to overcome and land us safely both times. We flew together on many occasions and he was cool as the proverbial cucumber in numerous situations, which I as a non-pilot found very comforting! I think he enjoyed doing things with that small airplane that caused me to use my hat as an air-sick bag several times! Rocket propellent bowing back into the rear seat was one things that got me the worst.
In our off time we played cards, enjoyed some adult beverages and told/listened to stories around the table on many occasions.
I am saddened by this loss, which to me, happened today, but I salute you Capt. Ballou for your sacrifice which continues to touch me today as I think about my children and grand-children who may never have been, if not for his skills, training and dedication. God bless you Capt. Ballou and the tens of thousands of others who gave their lives so others could be free! Oh how I wish I had a photo of him, I will have to keep digging, but ofter 40 years....
Sincerely, Lee R. Rovik
leeroyboy1@yahoo.com
Posted by: Lee R. Rovik
Email: leeroyboy1@yahoo.con
Relationship: We served together
Friday, October 3, 2008
Enemy Fire Kills Native Of Lancaster
Special to The Inquirer
LANCASTER, Pa., Nov. 8.-Maj. Charles D. Ballou, 40, a native of Lancaster, has been killed in combat in Southeast Asia.
According to the U.S. Air Force, Major Ballou was killed by enemy ground fire. His brother, Victor Ballou Jr., of Lancaster, said Friday the Major was with the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron. His duties included flying and coordinating close air support strikes with the Green Berets.
Major Ballou enlisted in the Air Force on graduation from McCaskey High School in 1946. He was graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1952, then returned to active service with the Air Force.
The Major received the Air Force commendation medal for meritorious service as an aircraft performance officer of the 301st Air Refueling Wing, Lockbourne AFB, Ohio, in 1965.
Besides his brother, he is survived by his wife, the former Joan Swearingen, of Chelmsford, Mass., a daughter, Kay; two sons, Thomas and Douglas; and his mother, Mrs. Victor Ballou, of Lancaster.
Posted by: Jim McIlhenney
Email: christianamacks@comcast.net
Relationship: Native Pennsylvanian& VietVet
Sunday, February 20, 2005
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