Valor in Vietnam & The "Flat Top King"

This week, host Jim Fausone brings together two remarkable veterans whose stories highlight courage, service, and life after the military. First, Medal of Honor recipient Donald E. Ballard reflects on his service as a Navy corpsman in Vietnam, the actions that earned him the nation’s highest military decoration, and the lifelong impact of combat. Then, Navy veteran Neal Williams—better known as “The Flat Top King”—shares how his experience as a Navy cook inspired a successful second career as a YouTube creator celebrating military food, history, and culture.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL DISCOVER

✓ The extraordinary acts of courage that earned Don Ballard the Medal of Honor
✓ What it was like serving as a Navy corpsman alongside Marines in Vietnam
✓ How military service can shape unexpected opportunities after leaving the uniform
✓ How Neal Williams built a loyal online following by sharing Navy culinary traditions and military stories

Donald E. Ballard

Medal of Honor Recipient - U.S. Navy

Medal of Honor recipient and retired U.S. Army National Guard Colonel who first served as a U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman attached to the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines during the Vietnam War. On May 16, 1968, while treating wounded Marines under heavy enemy fire in Quang Tri Province, Ballard selflessly threw himself onto an enemy grenade to shield his fellow servicemembers. When the grenade failed to detonate, he immediately resumed treating the wounded, actions that earned him the Medal of Honor. Following his Navy service, Ballard continued serving for three decades in the Kansas Army National Guard, retiring as a Colonel. Today, he remains an active advocate for veterans, sharing his story of courage, leadership, and service with audiences across the country.

Neal Williams

Creator/Host - The Flat Top King

Better known as The Flat Top King, Neal Williams is a U.S. Navy veteran, former Navy cook, and popular YouTube creator dedicated to preserving military culinary traditions. Drawing on his experience serving in the Navy’s food service community, Williams recreates military recipes, shares life at sea, and tells stories that celebrate the culture, camaraderie, and humor of military service. His engaging videos have built a large following among veterans, active-duty servicemembers, and food enthusiasts alike, making him one of the internet’s most recognizable voices on military cooking and Navy life.

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Jim Fausone

Host - Veterans Radio

Attorney, broadcaster, and veteran advocate dedicated to serving those who have worn the nation’s uniform. As the founding attorney of Legal Help for Veterans, he has spent decades helping veterans and their families navigate the complexities of the VA benefits system, representing thousands of claimants seeking disability compensation and earned benefits. A nationally recognized authority on veterans law, Jim is a frequent speaker, educator, and commentator on issues affecting the veteran community. Through his work with Veterans Radio, he continues his commitment to informing, educating, and amplifying the voices of veterans by bringing listeners thoughtful conversations with military leaders, historians, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and veterans from every generation of service.