Joseph J. Ballas

Corporal Joseph Ballas, after his induction, began basic training with the Army Air Force in radio operation and mechanics. In the Army Transport Command, Joseph served at 1332nd AAF Base Unit in China, Burma, and India. While flying the "hump" from India to China in January, 1945, he was forced to bail out of his plane at a height of 17,000 feet over Burma. Reported missing, he was rescued by a tribe in Kachins mountainous jungles. After a three day journey on foot he was led back to a camp together with his pilot and co-pilot, finally receiving transportation back to their camp in Assam Valley, India. With over 600 hours of flying to his credit, Joseph was awarded two Air Medals, the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Ribbon, three Bronze Stars, the Good Conduct Medal and the Presidential Citation. He was discharged in October, 1945.