John C Borowski

The database page for John C Borowski

Photo courtesy of Mercer VandenBurg MVanden500@aol.com I do not fear an army of lions, if they are led by a lamb. I do fear an army of sheep, if they are led by a lion. -- Alexander the Great -- HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES ARMY VIETNAM APO San Francisco 96375 14 September 1967 GENERAL ORDERS NUMBER 4665 AWARD OF THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS 1. TC 320. The following AWARD is announced posthumously: BOROWSKI, JOHN C  RA16838078  PRIVATE FIRST CLASS  E3   United States Army Company A, 4th Battalion, 503rd Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade Awarded: Distinguished Service Cross Date Action: 10 July 1967 Theater: Republic of Vietnam Reason: For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: Private First Class Borowski distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 10 July 1967 while serving as platoon machine gunner during a large scale search and destroy mission near Dak To. As Private Borowski's platoon investigated a recently traveled trail, it received intense fire from a well entrenched Viet Cong battalion. Firing rifles, automatic weapons and mortars from concealed bunkers, the insurgents were able to inflict numerous casualties on the friendly force. Private Borowski disregarded his own safety in this storm of fire and maneuvered to within 20 meters of the enemy's right flank machine gun position. When his own machine gun was damaged by an insurgent's fire, he continued to engage the hostile gunners using only his pistol. He received a shrapnel wound but never eased his force of attack. Later, despite enemy fire sweeping the area, Private Borowski crawled to a nearby friendly position. He refused medical treatment, grabbed a rifle and grenade launcher, and once again advanced on the Viet Cong. He was mortally wounded while firing with devastating effect into the enemy's bunkers. Private First Class Borowski's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. Authority: By direction of the President under the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 25 July 1963.

The point-of-contact for this memorial is one who remembers, Jim Tammaro jtammaro@aol.com  15 Sep 2002

Top of Page www.VirtualWall.org Back to To alpha index B IL State Index . Panel 23E 503RD INF RGT Index Webmaster@VirtualWall.org

With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Channing Prothro, former CAP Marine
Last updated 09/15/2002