The hero next door Lieutenant saves father's neighbor, then dies months later in ambush

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | 6/10/04 | Jim Herron Zamora

[Ranger]

When Army Lt. Ken Ballard and his tank crew rescued seven soldiers trapped in an ambush in an alley in Baghdad's Sadr City, he had no idea one of them was his dad's next-door neighbor in Hayward.

That neighbor, Pfc. Matt Medlock, was back in the Bay Area on Wednesday to honor his rescuer -- as a pallbearer at Ballard's funeral; the lieutenant was killed May 30 in Najaf, Iraq.

[church16]

Where do we get men like this? God bless his family and give them some comfort. I know my generation will never match the greatest generation of the 40's, but this guy could hold a candle to anyone, anytime, any generation.

[Ranger]

Very surprising that more people aren't posting on this thread. What a tremendous story. It needs to be heard.

[Chgogal]

"I'm proud that my son saved Matt," Tom Ballard said. "I watched both these men grow up. I'm as sad as a father can be. But I will be forever proud of my son."

We will forever be proud too Mr. Ballard. My deepest condolences.

[FreedomPoster]

Ping. Great, though tragic, story.

[Khurkris]

Bump. May God Bless them All.