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Major General Duard D. Ball
Commander
Mar 19, 1979 - Jul 22, 1980
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Major General Duard D. Ball, 14th Commander of White
Sands Proving Ground/Missile Range, was born October 11, 1930 in McAlester,
Oklahoma. He served in the Naval Reserve from 1947-1950 and then in the Army
Reserve until 1952. Upon graduation from Oklahoma A&M College (now Oklahoma
State University) in 1953, Ball received his commission in the Ordnance Corps
as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in general agriculture.
Later he received a Master's of Business Administration
from Babson Institute of Business Administration in Wellesley, Massachusetts
and studied advanced management at the University of Pittsburgh.
Ball first came to White Sands in 1958. He worked with
the Redstone missile project as a first lieutenant in missile guidance and as
control officer. He was promoted to captain while at the missile range.
Fifteen years after he left, he returned to White Sands
in 1975 as a colonel. He served as a special assistant to the commanding
general for long-range planning. Later he served as director of Personnel,
Training and Force Development and then as director of National Range
Operations.
Ball assumed command of White Sands in March 1979 and
left in July 1980 to become project manager for the Abrams Tank project in
Warren, Michigan. While commander he founded the Hall of Fame to help
recognize the efforts and work of civilians and military personnel here. His
vision has made it possible to permanently honor those who have made lasting
contributions to White Sands.
His concern for soldiers and civilians alike was
demonstrated by his efforts to improve the work atmosphere and living
conditions at White Sands. He made himself available to all range personnel
and involved himself personally in their problems.
In addition, he further developed the range's working
relationship with surrounding communities. He campaigned for their recognition
of White Sands workforce contributions to the communities.
Ball also set new standards for missile range program
management. This led to total achievement of mission goals and cost-savings
objectives.
During his career Ball was awarded the Distinguished
Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Soldier's Medal, Bronze Star Medal,
Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Joint Service
Commendation Medal and Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters.
Ball retired from the Army in August 1984 after serving
more than 31 years of active duty. He died in April 1986 and was buried in
Arlington National Cemetery. In the months following his death Ball was
inducted into the Ordnance Hall of Fame at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland
and had a new, 15-suite guesthouse named for him at White Sands.
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