John George Borbonus
Specialist, U.S. Army

On 12 April 2007, then-Private First Class John George Borbonus was serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, based at Fort Richardson, AK, while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

On that day, PFC Borbonus’ unit was engaged in combat operations against enemy forces in Iraq when an insurgent suicide truck bomber attempted to drive his explosive-laden vehicle into PFC Borbonus' control base. There were 20 soldiers within the base and the truck bomb was made with 500 to 600 pounds of homemade explosives. Manning his M240 machine gun, PFC Borbonus' laid down a steady stream of fire that diverted the vehicle before it detonated in an explosion that killed him instantly and destroyed 3 buildings. Although the truck bomb breached the perimeter, his selfless action averted a much larger loss of life. PFC Borbonus’ courageous actions that day earned him, at the cost of his life, the U.S. Army's third highest award for valor, the Silver Star Medal.

PFC Borbonus received a posthumous promotion to the rank of Specialist.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Silver Star Medal
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Star
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Army Service Ribbon
Army Overseas Service Ribbon
Presidential Unit Citation
Combat Infantryman Badge

Silver Star Medal Citation (Synopsis)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class John George Borbonus, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 12 April 2007, in Iraq. On that date, an insurgent suicide truck bomber attempted to drive his explosive-laden vehicle into Private First Class Borbonus' control base. There were 20 soldiers within the base and the truck bomb was made with 500 to 600 pounds of homemade explosives. Manning his machine gun and without regard for his own personal safety, Private First Class Borbonus' steady stream of fire diverted the vehicle before it detonated in an explosion that destroyed three buildings and killed him instantly. Although the truck bomb breached the perimeter, Private First Class Borbonus' self-sacrificing actions averted a much large loss of life. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Burial

Specialist John George Borbonus is buried at Cloverdale Memorial Park in Boise, Ada County, ID.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/18919553/john-george-borbonus