Donald H. Balch

Donald H. Balch (August 19, 1931 – October 14, 2007) was a brigadier general in the United States Air Force.

Donald Herbert Balch
Grave at Arlington National Cemetery
Birth nameDonald H. Balch
Born(1931-08-19)August 19, 1931
Bellows Falls, Vermont
DiedOctober 14, 2007(2007-10-14) (aged 76)
Bulverde, Texas
Buried
AllegianceUnited States of America
Service/branch United States Air Force
Years of service1954–1986
RankBrigadier general
Commands held512th Military Airlift Wing
349th Military Airlift Wing
440th Tactical Airlift Wing
Battles/warsVietnam War
AwardsLegion of Merit
Armed Forces Reserve Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Outstanding Unit Award
Air Force Longevity Service Award
Air Force Training Ribbon
Vietnam Gallantry Cross
ChildrenGareth W. Balch, Nathalie Balch, Jennifer Balch

Biography

Balch was born on August 19, 1931, in Bellows Falls, Vermont. He later attended the University of Vermont and the New England School of Law and married and had three children. His son, Gareth, also served in the Air Force. Balch was killed in an automobile accident on October 14, 2007, in Bulverde, Texas, and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.[1]

Career

Balch was commissioned an officer in the Air Force in 1954. In 1961 he entered the Air Force Reserve Command. He served in the Vietnam War and commanded the 512th Military Airlift Wing based at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware, the 349th Military Airlift Wing based at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California, and the 440th Tactical Airlift Wing based at General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Balch retired in 1986.

Awards he received include the Legion of Merit, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Outstanding Unit Award, the Air Force Longevity Service Award, the Air Force Training Ribbon, and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross.

References

  • Donald H. Balch, ArlingtonCemetery.net, 26 September 2023, an unofficial website
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