BOROWSKI, JOHN C.
BOROWSKI, JOHN C.
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Company A, 4th Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne
Brigade (Separate),
Date of Action: July 10, 1967
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to John C.
Borowski, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile
force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company A, 4th Battalion
(Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). 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.
HQ US
Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 4465 (September 14, 1967)
Home Town: Chicago, Illinois
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