He received the Medal of Honor for his actions in World War I. Balch enlisted in the Navy in Kansas City, Missouri under an officers training program.

Born: January 2, 1896, Edgerton, Kansas Citation: For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, with the 6th Regiment, U.S. Marines, in action at Vierzy, on 19 July 1918.

Balch unhesitatingly and fearlessly exposed himself to terrific machinegun and high-explosive fire to succor the wounded as they fell in the attack, leaving his dressing station voluntarily and keeping up the work all day and late into the night unceasingly for 16 hours.

During the action near Vierzy, he worked unceasingly for sixteen hours, giving assistance to the wounded on a field torn by high explosive shells and covered by direct machine-gun fire.

Near St. Etienne-aux-Arnes, he again gave proof of excellent judgment and courage in establishing an advance dressing station under violent shell and machine-gun fire, thereby saving many lives which would otherwise have been lost.

Pharmacist's Mate First Class Balch displayed extraordinary heroism and bravery in using the best judgment in establishing an advanced aid station during the most intense shell fire, thereby enabling him and his fellow Corpsmen to take better care of the wounded and saving many of their lives.