161206-N-GZ947-110 JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM (Dec. 6, 2016) Retired Army National Guard Col. Donald "Doc" E. Ballard, a Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipient, signs a copy of his medal of honor citation that hangs in USS John C. Stennis' (CVN 74) medical department. Ballard was a Hospital Corpsman during the actions of which he received the Medal of Honor, prior to being commissioned. Dec. 7, 2016 marks the 75th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor and Oahu. The U.S. military and the State of Hawaii are hosting a series of remembrance events throughout the week to honor the courage and sacrifices of those who served Dec. 7, 1941 and throughout the Pacific Theater. As a Pacific nation, the U.S. is committed to continue its responsibility of protecting the Pacific sea-lanes, advancing international ideals and relationships, as well as delivering security, influence and responsiveness in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Kenneth Rodriguez Santiago / Released)