US Naval Operations in the Solomon Islands- 1942: Origin of ship’s name

US Naval Operations in the Solomon Islands- 1942: Origin of ship’s name

Vol. 1 No.4

September 27, 2013
(Reposted)

USS Ballard AVD-10 (ex DD-267), 1919-1946

Warranted a midshipman on 24 February 1809 and still holding that rank, Edward J. Ballard served as fourth lieutenant in Chesapeake on June 1, 1813 when that American frigate challenged the British man of war HMS Shannon outside Boston harbor. Most of Chesapeake's crew had been recently recruited, and most of her officers were newly assigned to the ship. As a result of this inexperience and of the crew's lack of training as a team, the Americans were quickly bested in the ensuing battle. During the engagement, a cannon shot took off Ballard's right leg close to his body, and he died shortly afterwards. On 2 June 1813, the day following the action, the Navy Department -which had not yet heard of the action promoted Ballard to lieutenant.

Source: Department of the Navy – Naval Historical Center, “Online Library of Selected Images,” [accessed September 27, 2013].