Memorabilia grouping of John Henry Balch (January 2, 1896 – October 15, 1980). He was a United States Naval Reserve officer that received the Medal of Honor for his actions in World War I.

Balch enlisted in the Navy in Kansas City, Missouri under an officers training program. Prior to his enlistment on May 26, 1917, he had been a student at Kansas State University. After the training program, he was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment and served in France during World War I. Prior to the actions in which he was subsequently awarded the Medal of Honor, Balch was involved in the Battle of Belleau Wood where he was wounded. On October 5, 1918, he showed exceptional bravery by establishing an aid station under intense fire. Acting as a Pharmacist's Mate, he was credited with carrying wounded Marines to safety and thereby saving their lives.

On August 19, 1919, Balch received an honorable discharge as a Pharmacist's Mate First Class. One-month later he was presented the Medal of Honor by Rear Admiral F. B. Bassett at the YMCA in Chicago, Illinois.

In September 1942, Balch rejoined the Navy as a lieutenant and served stateside as well as Australia and the Philippines before eventually retiring on June 1, 1950, from the Naval Reserve with the rank of commander and one of the most decorated sailors in US Navy history.

(From Wikipedia, more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Henry_Balch)

His group consists mainly of his full uniform with visor hat and overseas cap. Attached to the uniform his ribbon bar featuring the Medal of honor besides his other decorations. Various patches attached to the uniform. The is an ammunition belt from his estate as well as a US flag. The group comes further with two framed pictures of him, one showing him being awarded the Medal of Honor.

There is also a slightly damaged statue of Iron Mike and a stone retrieved by the consignor in Belleau wood.

Extremely rare ensemble from an WWI US War Hero.