Briefing Document: Courtney Jackson Ballard

Subject: Life and Military Service of Courtney Jackson Ballard

Date: October 26, 2023

Source: Excerpt from unspecified text (labeled "Pasted Text")

Summary:

This document outlines the key biographical details of Courtney Jackson Ballard, focusing on his family, early life, military service, and ultimately his tragic death aboard the USS Indianapolis.

Key Themes and Information:

Early Life and Family:

Courtney Jackson Ballard was born on August 18, 1918, in Fisk, Coleman County, Texas.

His parents were Etta Amarintha Frazier and Chester Newton Ballard. At the time of his birth, Etta was 22 years old and Chester was 27 years old.

The 1920 and 1930 census records place him living with his family in Coleman County, Texas. By 1930, he had two brothers and five sisters.

These records confirm that Courtney was from a large family in a rural area of Texas.

Marriage and Relocation:

Courtney married Miss Bernice Early Plaugher in Los Angeles County, California on January 25, 1942.

They had one son.

Before enlisting, he resided in California, based on the information from his draft card and Navy enlistment record. This indicates a significant move from his childhood home in Texas.

Draft and Military Service:

He registered for the draft in Dallas, Texas, on October 16, 1940, while living there and working at the Varsity Barber Shop.

His draft card listed his father as his next of kin and noted four address changes, all in California. This suggests some mobility and residency changes prior to enlisting.

He enlisted in the US Navy in California, specifying his wife, Mrs. Bernice Early Ballard, as his next of kin with a Hermosa Beach, California address.

He served as a Ship's Serviceman (Barber) Second Class Petty Officer in the US Navy.

Assignment to the USS Indianapolis:

Courtney Jackson Ballard was assigned to the USS Indianapolis CA-35, a Portland-class cruiser.

Tragic Fate on USS Indianapolis:

The USS Indianapolis played a critical role in delivering components for the atomic bomb to Tinian, a mission that "directly contributed to the end of World War II."

The ship was torpedoed and sunk by a Japanese submarine (I-58) on July 30, 1945, while en route from Guam to Leyte. The sinking occurred within the first hour of July 30th.

"The loss of USS Indianapolis was a tragic moment."

Petty Officer Ballard is listed on the Tablets of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in the Philippines. This confirms that his remains were never recovered.

Key Quotes from Source:

"The loss of USS Indianapolis was a tragic moment following the completion of a secret mission that directly contributed to the end of World War II."

"...Petty Officer Ballard is remembered on the Tablets of the Missing in the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial..."

Conclusion:

Courtney Jackson Ballard's life was marked by a transition from a rural upbringing in Texas to military service in California. He served on the USS Indianapolis during a crucial mission in WWII. His service ended tragically with the ship's sinking, making him one of the many casualties of that ill-fated voyage. The fact that he is memorialized on the Tablets of the Missing suggests his body was never found. His story is a powerful example of the sacrifices made during the war.