John G. Borbonus

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to John G. Borbonus, Private First Class, U.S. 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.