Location: 3291
Date: 4/12/2007
Rank: Specialist
Branch: U.S. Army
Operation: Operation Iraqi Freedom
PFC John Borbonus was born and raised in Boise. He graduated in 2005 from Boise High School as a fine athlete and student. He joined the Army on July 16, 2005, and began training for the Special Forces as an Army Ranger and was assigned to Headquarters Company, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, during combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was awarded a Silver Star for his conspicuous gallantry and fearlessness in combat action in Iraq in which he took action that saved the lives of his battle buddies in an exceptionally vast explosion. He was killed on April 12, 2007.
John was a big bold personality who grew into a tall, accomplished young man who had an impact on others. He volunteered more than a hundred hours of community service to St. John´s Catholic Church where he changed lives and made a difference. He could come across as extremely shy, and then out of nowhere he would surprise you with a very imaginative practical joke. It was impossible to go into a conversation with John and not walk away in a better mood with a better outlook on life. He was a true warrior and embodied characteristics every Soldier should strive to emulate.
He is survived by his parents, Hans and Maggie Borbonus.