War Hero to Address McHenry County Board

From MCCB:The McHenry County Board will host Air Force Maj. Gen. (Ret.) John Borling, a war hero, author, and speaker, at its Committee of the Whole meeting Thursday. Borling, who spent six and a half years as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam, was invited to speak by County Board Chairman Jack Franks, who introduced him at a Veterans Day assembly at Marengo Community High School.

“The word ‘hero’ tends to be overused these days, but I can’t think of a more appropriate description of Major General John Borling. He has spent a long and storied life protecting this great nation from people who would do us harm, and I’m honored that he accepted my invitation to share some of his stories with the County Board,” Franks, D-Marengo, said. The Chicago native and Air Force Academy graduate flew 97 combat missions in Vietnam before being shot down in 1966 northwest of Hanoi. Seriously injured, he was captured while trying to evade, and was imprisoned in the infamous “Hanoi Hilton.” He wrote and memorized poems to keep his mind sharp and lift spirits among his fellow POWs, which he spread by using a tap code taught to U.S. soldiers. He later published the poems in a book, “Taps on the Walls: Poems from the Hanoi Hilton” – the late Sen. John McCain, who was imprisoned with Borling, wrote the foreword.
Borling after his release has flown everything from the F-15 Eagle and B-1 bomber to the Mach- 3 SR-71 Blackbird. He has commanded flight wings, entire Air Force bases, and was entrusted to execute the nation’s nuclear war plan. His medals include two Defense Distinguished Service

Medals, two Distinguished Service Medals, the Silver Star, the Defense Superior Service Medal, two Legions of Merit, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, three Bronze Stars, and two Purple Hearts. Borling, who lives in Rockford, married his high school sweetheart, Myrna, and they have two grown daughters. The Committee of the Whole begins at 9 a.m. Thursday at the county Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock.

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