TFH 7/10: Three "Sky Soldiers" at Dak To

The United States Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade was the first major combat unit committed to the Vietnam War in 1965. Forty-five years ago today, the "Sky Soldiers" (as the 173rd is nicknamed) were engaged in the Kon Tum province's Dak To area.

Later in 1967, the Battle of Dak To would rage for several weeks in the same area. As a prelude to the larger battle in November, American and South Vietnamese forces sought to stave off communist infiltration into the south via the Ho Chi Minh trail in the region. This was known as Operation Greeley, and began in June 1967.

After the 173rd's 4th Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment established a fire base about six and a half miles south of Dak To, they advanced on a nearby hilltop and conducted search and destroy missions against the enemy. During these actions, three members of Company A/4/503 who gave their lives for our Nation exhibited such courage under fire in their sacrifices that they were all posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.

Their names were PFC John C. Borowski, 1LT Daniel W. Jordan, and SP4 Joel M. Sabel.

Citation for Private First Class John C. Borowski:

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.

Through various searches, I could not identify where PFC Borowski today rests in peace.

Citation for First Lieutenant Daniel Walter Jordan:

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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Daniel Walter Jordan (ASN: OF-107168), 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). First Lieutenant Jordan distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 10 July 1967 while serving as platoon leader of an airborne infantry platoon on a combat mission near Dak To. Late in the afternoon, the lead platoon of Lieutenant Jordan's company was attacked and pinned down by heavy automatic weapons fire from a well-entrenched Viet Cong force. He received an order to maneuver his men in a flank attack on the insurgents to relieve the attack pressure on the engaged element. Because of poor radio contact, he was forced to run through areas exposed to hostile fire to coordinate with his commander. He then returned to his men and braved constant hostile fire to organize his man and lead them forward. For a half hour, Lieutenant Jordan made repeated trips to the command post to report his element's progress and receive instructions. He moved among his men, calming and encouraging them, although this forced him to expose himself many times to the enemy's weapons. Under his leadership, the platoon was able to advance to a position from which to assault the Viet Cong machine gun positions. While courageously leading his men against the numerically superior insurgent force, he was mortally wounded. First Lieutenant Jordan'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.

As with Borowski, I could not find a burial location for Lieutenant Jordan.

Citation for Specialist Fourth Class Joel Michael Sabel:

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 Specialist Fourth Class Joel Michael Sabel (ASN: RA-19848614), 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 Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). Specialist Four Sabel distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 10 July 1967 while serving as a medic of an Airborne infantry company on a combat mission deep in hostile territory. When his company came under heavy automatic weapons and mortar fire from a well entrenched enemy force, Specialist Sabel repeatedly ignored his own safety to move among his wounded comrades to treat them. Seriously wounded himself, he refused medical aid and instructed others in treating the injured while he bandaged his own wounds. He continued to expose himself to the withering hostile fire while rendering constant aid to others despite his own injuries. With mortar and automatic weapons falling around him, he never stopped to consider his own welfare. He was mortally wounded while bravely caring for the needs of his comrades in the face of grave danger. Specialist Four Sabel'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.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs' Grave Locator, Sabel rests in peace at the Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Rowland Heights, California.

All three of these American heroes names are found on Panel 23E of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC: Borowski on Line 40, Jordan on Line 42, and Sabel on Line 45.

The 173d Airborne Brigade Combat Team today is the quick response force for United States Army Europe. The brigade's battalions are based in both Germany and Italy. They have deployed multiple times in recent years to both Iraq and Afghanistan. The 4th Battalion, 503d Infantry Regiment is currently inactive.