LaVerne J. Balk

Korean War

LaVerne Balk was born on November 24, 1931, between Dedham and Willey to Clem and Florence (Wiskus) Balk. LaVerne attended school in Willey and later in Gray as the family moved. By 1950, the Balk family had settled in Templeton.

LaVerne was inducted into the US Army on May 5, 1953, about two months before the end of the war in Korea. He was assigned serial number 55 375 745 and sent to Fort Leonard Wood, MO for basic training. There he was assigned to the 4th Platoon, Battery B of the 62nd Armored Field Artillery Battalion. This unit was part of the 6th Armored Division.

During LaVerne’s training at Fort Leonard Wood, fighting ceased in Korea with an armistice signed by both sides on July 27, 1953. No treaty was signed so that war, even today, is not officially over. After completion of his initial training, LaVerne was assigned to Company B of the 21st Engineer Battalion at Fort Carson, CO. This unit was trained to be involved in construction of roads and bridges, destruction of roads and bridges, mine detection and solving all manner of battlefield logistical problems.

LaVerne remained at Fort Carson for the rest of his service. He was discharged at Fort Carson on May 3, 1955, with the rank of PFC (private first class). He returned to Carroll County and was employed for a time by F.D. Ross Ford-Mercury in Manning and later by the Iowa Department of Transportation. He never married.

LaVerne died in Manning on March 26, 1996 at age 64. He was buried in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Templeton.