Donald H. Balch

Brigadier General, USAF, age 76, passed on Oct. 14th, 2007, near his home in Bulverde, TX. He was born Aug. 19, 1931, in Bellows Falls, VT to Ervin and Blanche Balch. He graduated with a BS from the University of Vermont. In 1965 he earned a law degree from New England School of Law. BG Balch received his commission and pilot wings at Goodfellow AFB in 1954. Following a tour of active duty, he entered the Air Force Reserve in 1961 and was assigned to the 731st TAS at Hanscom AFB. In 1973, he became Commander of the 512th MAW, Dover AFB and in 1976 went on to command the 349th MAW, Travis AFB. In 1979, BG Balch was appointed Commander of the 440th TAW, General Mitchell Field. BG Balch was a Command Pilot with over 8,500 hours flying time on more than a dozen aircraft, including the B-25, B-29, C-130, and the C-5. Decorations include the Legion of Merit with Cluster, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. He retired from the Air Force Reserve in 1986. BG Balch is survived by his wife of 16 years, Mary J. Balch; children, Gareth W. Balch and wife Julie, Nathalie G. Balch, and Jennifer K. Balch and husband, Curtis Runyan; grandchildren, Molly, Alyssa; sister, Lora Underwood; brother, Harold Balch and wife, Marge; sister, Dottie Litchfield. Service Thursday, January 10, 2008, 12:45 p.m., Fort Myer Chapel. Interment will follow with Full Military Honors in Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in support of our troops or to an educational organization of your choice.