Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    4th Battalion (Airborne)

    Regiment:

    503d Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate)

    Action Date:

    July 10, 1967

    Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 4465 (September 14, 1967)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class John C. Borowski (ASN: RA-16838078), United States 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.