James Ballard
- August 21st, 2019
(
Robert's Apollo 11 medallion issued by NASA Manned Flight Awareness Office in 1970)
...Only recently did I discover, within the bottomless depths of my life's storage, a "family heirloom" given by my father to my dear brother Robert Ballard. He was 12 in 1970. He died in 1978. At the age of 20. Victim of the worst of brain tumors. Same tumor that had taken the lives of both Sen. Edward Kennedy and Sen. John McCain. Only they, without question, had a full life.
The fate of one life decided by that Roll of the Dice, from which my brother could not benefit.
Although the 1970 Bacon mint medallion was certainly not the first such medallions, the one I found that belonged to my brother is obviously priceless to me. There were apparently 200,000 struck by the New Orleans mint, meaning they are much less rare than the original versions, and subject to cheap fakes and "eBay" exploitation. But knowing it came out of my own family collection, I'm privileged in knowing that what I have is the real thing.
Because my father was so deeply involved in the space effort, Robert loved anything that had to do with space. From the time he was a boy, he collected rocket models, rocket banks, rocket anything...and even a rocket montage paper construct in the first grade. He had the complete engineering construction "blueprints" (April, 1975) of the "SS Enterprise" from the famous "Star Trek" TV series.
I have all my brother made and collected.
All of the Apollo II medallions bear testament to an American legacy that lies deep in the minds of most Americans, especially for Americans who were alive at the time of the mission.
For me, Robert's medallion, illustrated above, holds more than one story.
John Burris
- June 2nd, 2018
I have thought of Robert often over the years and wished I could tell his family he is still remembered. I enjoyed hanging out with him, Bill, Frank, Tom, Randy, etc. even though I was a newcomer at Butler. Robert even came and helped me dig out the swimming pool my dad had me working on. I really appreciated his company instead of being stuck doing it alone. His life may have been short but his legacy is not!
thomas cupp
- May 25th, 2017
my best friend..his brother jim told me about this site..i miss you so much robert..your heart was so big..wish i could go back and give my life for you
Patty Wallace Harter
- November 23rd, 2014
Going thru the facebook tribute page.., and i had forgotten that Robert had left this world waaay to soon..., i remember running track w/him and all the meets we went to.., the bus rides.., and when i was injured or sick..., this guy was always there for me..., he was kind.., and striking..., such a great person.., and he ran like the wind and jumped to the sky..., Robert was good friends w/so many people at school...., never an unkind thing to say.., ever..., i remember at the Grissom meet i was hurt.., and he helped me to the bus..., i always felt guilty as i had a crush...., a huge one on Robert.., but was going steady w/one of his best buds, Jim Martinelli..., LOL! To me.., Robert was dreamy.., and always had the best laugh and the right things to say...., i saw this memorial.., and i had to post something.., i wasn't a home coming queen, nor a cheerleader, or a dixie deb..., but i remember the girls were crazy about Robert..., and Coach Fletcher liked him a lot..., i just remember how nice he was..., and his smile and laughter would make the long trips on the bus a whole lot better.....if any one could let me know what happened? I'd appreciate it very much..., i had heard he passed..., i didn't know the details..., i didnt realize it was so soon after he graduated......so sad..., and well.., i never saw him after .., wish i had..., wish't he knew how grateful i was to him for being such a good guy and friend. :)
Bill Ondocsin
- October 21st, 2014
Just seeing Robert's picture took me back many years. Running track at Butler with Robert. Goofing off in the summers in the neighborhood, and neighborhood football games. I don't know if we were suppose to be on the Huntsville Country Club property or not, but we sure had some good Sunday afternoon football games there. Seems that Robert was always playing quarterback and barking orders. I think I learned some colorful lanquage in those games. Great memories. He is missed.
James Ballard
- July 10th, 2014
He was my dear brother, and the light of our family... And thanx, Sonnie Hereford, for your memorial tribute to him. James Ballard Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Sonnie Hereford
- December 2nd, 2012
Robert was already a veteran of our Jr High Chess Club the first day I showed up. I'll always remember how welcome he made me feel as he accepted a game against me. He was my first Jr High opponent and a very good player!