Congressional Medal of Honor Society September 16, 2009

Commissioner John W. Brooks and the Chicago Fire Department (CFD) hosted the Congressional Medal Of Honor Society, at the Robert J. Quinn Fire Academy on Wednesday September 16, 2009 for a Military Award Ceremony and the unveiling of Joseph J. McCarthy’s Congressional Medal of Honor that will be proudly displayed in a case at the Robert J. Quinn Fire Academy.

The Military Award Ceremony honored Hershel W. Williams and Joseph J. McCarthy.  Hershel W. Williams and Donald Ballard received the title honorary Fire Chief of the CFD.  Mr. Williams and Mr. Ballard, a retired Kansas City firefighter, received a Chief’s helmet and certificate; certifying them as honorary chiefs.

As part of the festivities, Mr. Williams enjoyed a flight on the CFD Helicopter and spoke to past, present and future members of the CFD.  Also in attendance were 11th Ward Alderman James Balcer, 34th Ward Alderman Carrie Austin, and 19th Ward Alderman Ginger Rugai.

Hershel W. Williams received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Demolition Sergeant serving with the First Battalion, Twenty-First Marines, Third Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Island, on February 23, 1945.

Joseph J. McCarthy, deceased, received the Congressional Medal Of Honor for his conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of a rifle company attached to the 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines, 4th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on February 21, 1945.  In addition to his service to his country Mr. McCarthy served the citizens of Chicago as a Chicago Firefighter.

Donald Ballard received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a HC2c. When his company was ambushed by the enemy, Ballard moved across the fire-swept terrain to render medical assistance to a wounded Marine. He then directed 4 Marines to carry the casualty, but when an enemy troop began firing on them, Ballard threw himself on an explosive device to protect his comrades. When the grenade failed to detonate, he continued to treat other casualties. His courage, daring initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, sustain and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval service, on May 16, 1968.