S/Sgt. John E. Ball was born in Stuart, Iowa to Fred & Cora Ball on September 17, 1914.  He was one of the couple's seven children.  He and his brother, William, later moved to the Chicago area where they lived at 1035 South Harvard Avenue in Oak Park. 

    John was one of the original National Guard members of B Company called to federal duty on November 25, 1940.  He trained with the company at Fort Knox during 1940 and 1941.  He then took part in maneuvers in Louisiana in the later summer of 1941.

    With the 192nd, John sailed to the Philippine Islands in November of 1941.  He lived through the Japanese attack on Clark Airfield and took part in the defense of the Philippine Islands.

    On April 9, 1942, John became a Prisoner Of War.  He took part in the death march and was held as a POW at Camp O'Donnell.  When Cabanatuan opened to relieve the conditions at Camp Polk, John was transferred there.  Sometime during the time he was there, John developed malaria.

    S/Sgt. John E. Ball died of malaria at Cabanatuan POW Camp on July 3, 1942.  He now lies at the American Military Cemetery outside of Manila.