TFH 1/13: Technical Sergeant Walter C. Borawski & Sergeant Howard C. Hensley, Jr., USMC

Sixty years ago today on January 13, 1953, one platoon of the United States Marine Corps' Company G, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division raided forward from the main combat line against an enemy occupied hilltop. When the platoon leader was struck by enemy fire, the platoon sergeant, Technical Sergeant Walter C. Borawski, took command and continued to press the attack until he was knocked out by a grenade. After Borawski became a casualty, Sergeant Howard C. Hensley, Jr., a squad leader, took command after having previously rescued the platoon leader under fire.

Both of these gallant Marines received the second-highest award for valor they could have: the Navy Cross.

Navy Cross Citation for Technical Sergeant Walter C. Borawski:

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Technical Sergeant Walter Carl Borawski (MCSN: 464301), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Platoon Sergeant of Company G, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on the early morning of 13 January 1953. Participating in a platoon-sized raid on a strongly-defended enemy hill position far forward of the main line of resistance, Technical Sergeant Borawski skillfully maneuvered the assault element under cover of darkness through intense enemy small-arms and grenade fire to the objective. When his platoon commander was wounded by enemy fire, he immediately assumed command and proceeded to direct the annihilation of the enemy and the destruction of the hostile positions. Although critically wounded by an enemy grenade and suffering intense pain, he gallantly continued to direct the men of the assaulting squads and to shout words of encouragement to them. Upon successful completion of the mission, he steadfastly refused evacuation or medical treatment until assured that all casualties, which numbered over half of the assaulting force, were removed from the devastated area. Succumbing to his wounds while being evacuated to the main line of resistance, Technical Sergeant Borawski, by his indomitable fighting spirit, exceptional fortitude and inspiring efforts in behalf of his comrades, contributed in large measure to the success of his platoon in accomplishing its mission. His great personal valor reflects the highest credit upon himself and sustains and enhances the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.


Navy Cross Citation for Sergean Howard C. Hensley, Jr.:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Sergeant Howard C. Hensley, Jr. (MCSN: 1175736), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Squad Leader of Company G, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on the night of 13 January 1953. Participating in a platoon-sized raid on a strongly defended enemy hill position far forward of the main line of resistance, Sergeant Hensley fearlessly led his squad under cover of darkness through intense hostile small-arms and grenade fire and, despite the heavy casualties sustained by his unit, effectively employed his weapons to pin down the enemy and allow his men to reach the objective. Subsequently, he quickly positioned his men at vantage points to cut off enemy reinforcements and proceeded to annihilate the entrenched hostile force. Observing that the platoon commander was wounded, he unhesitatingly moved under enemy fire to the side of the stricken officer and called a corpsman forward. Then, when the Platoon Sergeant also became a casualty, he immediately assumed command despite his own painful wounds and directed his men in completing the destruction of the hostile position. After skillfully deploying his depleted platoon to cover the evacuation of casualties, which numbered over half of the assaulting force, he courageously searched the enemy position to insure that all casualties were accounted for and removed to a safe area. Throughout the withdrawal, he maintained direct supervision of the rear guard that that was covering the evacuation and engaged the enemy in sporadic fire fights for approximately three hours until all casualties were evacuated to the main lines. By his indomitable fighting spirit, exceptional fortitude and valiant leadership, Sergeant Hensley served to inspire all who observed him and contributed in large measure to the success of his squad in completing its mission. His great personal valor reflects the highest credit upon himself and enhances the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service.


3rd Battalion, 1st Marines is still part of the 1st Marine Division and is stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California. The battalion is currently assigned as the Ground Combat Element of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.