Memorial

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Capt Ballard P. Durham attended the Agricultural & Mechanical College of Texas (now Texas A&M University) as a member of the Class of 1941 majoring in Mechanical Engineering. While at Texas A&M he worked his way through school working as a waiter on campus in Duncan Dinning Hall. He was a Distinguished Student, member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and was a Cadet Lieutenant in G Battery, Field Artillery.

"My dear Mrs. Durham,
I wish to extend to you my deepest sympathy in the loss of your son, Captain Ballard P. Durham, 0409647, who was killed in action on Sept. 9, 1944, in Belgium. On Sept. 9, 1944, we were engaged in a rapid drive across Belgium in pursuit of the retreating enemy army. Captain Durham was one of my principal assistants during this drive. He was performing the duty of Battery Commander of Battery "C" on Sept. 9, 1944, Captain Durham was hunting for a position from which to observe and place artillery fire upon the enemy. He was about 300 yards from his battery's position when he was killed instantly by enemy artillery fire."

"Mrs. Sylphia C. Durham of Sildell received the Silver Star Medal posthumously awarded her son, Captain Ballard P. Durham, at a ceremony Saturday at Camp Howze. The medal was presented for gallantry in action at an unnamed place on Sept. 9, 1944, when Captain Durham was killed while exposing himself to enemy fire in order to direct the firing of guns in his unit."