On May 17,1944, the FIRST(1)CANADIAN INFANTRY BRIGADE was ordered to advance from the Pignataro Area to the high ground overlooking the Forme D’Aquino. The 48th HIGHLANDERS OF CANADA moved on the axix of the road with their left flank on the Liri River. The HASTINGS AND PRINCE EDWARD REGIMENT advanced on their right.

“D” COMPANY of the 48th HIGHLANDERS was leading the Battalion, supported by a troop of CHURCHILL TANKS from “C” SQUADRON of 142 REGIMENT RAC. The 16 and 17 Platoons of this company made contact with the enemy. This opposition was easily dealt with but in the skirmish the number 38 wireless sets with both platoons were knocked out and contact was lost with both the Company Commander and the Tank Troops Commander. The two platoons, however, continued their advance.

16 Platoon commanded by LIEUTENANT BALLARD moved on the right of the road and 17 Platoon on the left. As they approached the battalion objective 16 Platoon was fired on at close quarters by 75 mm guns which were sited on the high ground. One man was killed and another was wounded.

LIEUTENANT BALLARD immediately organised an assault on the position, sending one section up to the right and himself leading a section forward on the left. Machine gun and rifle fire immediately broke out, and the Commander of the right section was wounded.

LIEUTENANT BALLARD led his men against the 75 mm gun positions. Hurling a grenade, he killed the crew of four men who were about to fire another round into his section. With another grenade he killed several members of a protective section of enemy infantry. He was now unarmed. As a Germam officer levelled a pistol at him, LIEUTENANT BALLARD shouted and charged forward. With his bare fists, he forced the German officer to drop his pistol and surrender.

Altogether on this position, nine of the enemy were killed and twelve were taken prisoner. Also Captured were three 75 mm guns, one Half Track Vehicle and one machine gun.

LIEUTENANT BALLARD then consolidated his hard won position. The remainder of his company and “A” Company were thus able to take up positions on the objective. They held this ground against determinated counter attacks by enemy tanks and infantry.

In the meantime the other two companies of the 48th HIGHLANDER had become involved in a very heavy fighting with a strong enemy position of the high ground to the right of “D” Company axis of advance. By nightfall they had not succeeded in dislodging the Germans. However, when the enemy counter attack on the position taken by LIEUTENANT BALLARD failed the enemy on the feature also withdrew and the FIRST (1)CANADIAN INFANTRY BRIGADE was quick to follow up and pursue.

The heroic conduct of LIEUTENANT BALLARD won the day for his battalion. It also had very far reaching results in the subsequently successful series of actions against the Adolph Hitler Line.