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Borneman, John K.

Date of birth:
November 17th, 1898 (Norristown/Pennsylvania, United States)
Date of death:
February 10th, 1972 (Zooks Corner/Pennsylvania, United States)
Buried on:
Arlington National Cemetery
Plot: 2. Grave: E-241.
Service number:
0-266084
Nationality:
American

Biography

Colonel Borneman is the highest-ranking Chaplain ever to be decorated for valor.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Colonel
Unit:
60th Coast Artillery Regiment, Philippine Department, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE), U.S. Army
Awarded on:
October 5th, 1945
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Chaplain with the 60th Coast Artillery Regiment (Anti-Aircraft), in action at Corregidor, Philippine Islands, on 15 April 1942. When the first shell of a heavy enemy artillery barrage killed or wounded many men at the west portal of Malinta Tunnel, Chaplain Borneman immediately went to their aid. After carrying one of the wounded to the hospital, he led a rescue party with nine litters back to the portal. There he assisted in the search for casualties while the shelling continued unabated and then returned to aid the over-taxed hospital staff by preparing the casualties for treatment and administering anesthetics to the most painfully wounded, working steadily until the following morning. By his gallantry in rescuing and caring for the wounded, Chaplain Borneman upheld the finest traditions of the Corps of Chaplains."

Presented in Washington on 23 June 1949.
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Chaplain with the 60th Coast Artillery Regiment (Anti-Aircraft), in action at Fort Mills, Philippine Islands, on 6 May 1942. When several men of Battery C were wounded during continuing heavy enemy artillery bombardments and dive bombing attacks, Chaplain Borneman, 60th Coast Artillery Regiment (Anti-Aircraft), left his position of safety to search for these men. Despite the bursting bombs and shells all about him, he traversed the entire battery Infantry line to locate and aid helpless casualties. By his courageous acts and consuming regard for the welfare of his comrades, Chaplain Borneman made a memorable contribution to the gallant defense of Corregidor. Lieutenant Colonel Borneman's gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army."

Headquarters, U.S. Forces, Pacific, General Orders No. 225 (Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster). Presented in Washington on 23 June 1949.
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Colonel
Unit:
60th Coast Artillery Regiment, Philippine Department, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE), U.S. Army
For heroism in ground combat Corregidor, Philippine, 2 January 1942

Presented on 23 June 1949 in Washington.
Bronze Star  Medal (BSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Colonel
For meritorious achievement in ground operations against the enemy Pacific Theater of Operations, October 1944 - January 1945.

Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster. Presented in Washington on 23 June 1949.
Bronze Star  Medal (BSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Colonel
Unit:
60th Coast Artillery Regiment, Philippine Department, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE), U.S. Army
For wounds received in action Fort Mills, Corregidor, Philippine Islands, 29 December 1941.

Presented in Washington on 23 June 1949.
Purple Heart
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Colonel
Unit:
60th Coast Artillery Regiment, Philippine Department, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE), U.S. Army
For wounds received in action Fort Mills, Corregidor, Philippine Islands, 15 March 1942.

1st Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster. Presented in Washington on 23 June 1949.
Purple Heart
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Colonel

2nd Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Purple Heart
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

3rd Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Purple Heart
Legion of Merit - US Military
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

With 1 campaign star
Philippines Defence Medal
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Colonel

Signed by
Admiral William F. Halsey
General Jonathan M. Wainwright

Sources