Ballinger, William Franklin, CTM

USS Tang (SS-306) was on her fifth war patrol when she came upon a Japanese convoy. On the morning of 24 October 1944 she had sunk three ships when she fired her 24th and last torpedo. That torpedo turned to the left, making a circular turn. Tang tried to clear the path of the torpedo, but was struck by her own torpedo and sank. Nine men survived, and spent the war as Prisoners of War. Chief Torpedoman's Mate Ballinger was listed as missing in action and later declared dead 7 December 1945.

Service number: 3806306

Silver Star
Awarded for Actions During World War II
Service: Navy
Rank: Chief Torpedoman's Mate
Division: U.S.S. Tang (SS-306)
Citation: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Chief Torpedoman's Mate William F. Ballinger (NSN: 3806306), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in the performance of his duties as "Chief-of-the-Boat" in the U.S.S. TANG (SS-306), during the FOURTH War Patrol of that Submarine from 31 July 1944 to 3 September 1944. His exceptional skill and ability in maintaining a high degree of efficiency in the control room contributed directly to the success of his vessel in sinking five enemy ships totaling 22,500 tons and damaging an additional enemy ship of 4,000 tons; and, in a gun engagement, the severe damaging of a 100-ton patrol vessel. His efficiency and coolness contributed directly to the success of his vessel in evading severe enemy counterattacks, sometimes in very shallow waters. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.