Poems from the Hanoi Hilton
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How did a prisoner of war survive six years and eight months of soul-crushing imprisonment in the Hanoi Hilton during the Vietnam War? By writing poetry. And how did he do it without pencil or paper?
Then-Captain John Borling "wrote" and memorized poems to keep his mind sharp and spirits up. He shared his creations with fellow captives by their only means of communication—the forbidden POW tap code. Rapping on the cell walls with his knuckles, he tapped poems, certainly of pain and despair, but also of humor, encouragement, and hope, to keep everyone’s strength and spirits alive.
With a foreword by fellow POW Senator John McCain, TAPS ON THE WALLS: POEMS FROM THE HANOI HILTON contains all the poems General Borling created during his confinement. You will read remarkable stories of endurance, life lessons, and means to achieve personal triumph.
The pen is truly mightier than the sword. No matter that the pen was only a mind and scarred knuckles ,and the sword, painful and interminable captivity.
WORDS STRONGER THAN WALLS
The world without, within our weathered walls,
Remote, like useless windows, small and barred
Here, months and years run quickly down dim halls,
But says, the daze, the empty days come hard.
I used to count a lot, count everything,
Like excersise and laps and words of prayer.
what hurt that hunger, thoughts that thirst can bring,
Companions, waking, sleeping, always there.
But policy unsanities unwind,
Till bad is good and betterment is worse.
So refuge blanket, net, and morning mind
Create a mingling dream-real universe.
I'm told that steel is forged by heavy blows.
If only man were steel, but then, who knows?
John Borling
Like excersise and laps and words of prayer.
what hurt that hunger, thoughts that thirst can bring,
Companions, waking, sleeping, always there.
But policy unsanities unwind,
Till bad is good and betterment is worse.
So refuge blanket, net, and morning mind
Create a mingling dream-real universe.
I'm told that steel is forged by heavy blows.
If only man were steel, but then, who knows?
John Borling
John Lorin Borling (born 1940 in Chicago) is a retired Major General of the United States Air Force whose military career spanned 37 years. He has piloted many aircraft including the F-15, F16, F-4, the SR-71 Blackbird, the U-2, and B-52 and B-1 bombers. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Myrna, also from Illinois, they have two daughters.[1]
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Education
Borling attended the United States Air Force Academy, and was subsequently a graduate of the National War College and executive programs at the John F. Kennedy School of Government and the Harvard Business School. He was a White House Fellow and, later, treasurer and director of the White House Fellows governing foundation and for many years a regional selection panel member.Military career
Borling was a fighter pilot during the Vietnam War, where he was shot down by ground fire. Seriously injured in his crash, Captain Borling still attempted to commandeer a Vietnamese supply truck for his escape. He was able to gain control of a supply truck, but the truck was carrying Vietnamese regulars.[2] Captain Borling was soon overpowered by the soldiers and would spend the next 6½ years as a POW in Hanoi.[3] John Borling was released on February 12, 1973. Subsequent to his return, he was an F-15 Eagle fighter pilot and commander of the “Hat in the Ring” squadron. He was an Air Division commander at Minot AFB, and Head of Operations for Strategic Air Command (SAC) in Omaha. In that position, he directed SAC’s support of hostilities in the first Gulf War and Panama and was charged with execution responsibilities for the nation’s nuclear war plan. At the Pentagon, he led CHECKMATE, a highly classified war fighting think tank and was Director of Air Force Operational Requirements helping initiate a new family of guided weapons. In Germany, he commanded the largest fighter and support base outside the United States and later served at NATO’s Supreme Headquarters in Belgium working directly for the Supreme Commander and Chief of Staff. He was central to the creation of HQ North in Norway and served as Chief of Staff of that integrated NATO/National command.Writing
Borling created Taps on the Walls: Poems from the Hanoi Hilton: a collection of poems he wrote during his time in captivity.Civic Activities
Civic activities include: The Commercial Club of Chicago, Trustee, The Lincoln Academy of Illinois, Chicago Host Committee, The Medal of Honor Society Convention, President, Sister Lakes Michigan Land Conservancy, Inductee, Illinois Aviation Hall of Fame, Who's Who in America, and numerous other local and national organizations.[4]Medals
A highly decorated officer, his awards include:[3][5] The Silver Star, two Bronze Stars with V for Valor and two Purple Hearts. Other medals include:Prisoner of War Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit, Defense, Superior Service Medal, Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Distinguished Service Medal, and the Defense Distinguished Service Medal.[6]
John Lorin Borling
Date of birth: 24-Mar-40Place of Birth: Illinois, Chicago
Home of record: Chicago Illinois
Status: POW
John Borling graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Class of 1963. He was interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam after he was shot down on June 1, 1966, and was held until his release on February 12, 1973.
AWARDS AND CITATIONS
Defense Distinguished Service Medal
See more recipients of this awardAwarded for actions during the Peace Time Awards
The Secretary of Defense of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to Major General John Lorin Borling, United States Air Force, for exceptionally distinguished performance of duty contributing to national security and the defense of the United States. Major General Borling distinguished himself by exceptionally distinguished service as Deputy Chief of Staff, Air and Deputy Chief of Staff, Principal Subordinate Command NORTH, Headquarters Allied Forces Northern Europe, Kolsaas, Norway, from January 1992 to June 1994. During this period General Borling made dramatic improvements in the effectiveness of allied air operations in the Northern Region. His outstanding leadership was reflected by the great success of the Tactical Fighter Meet exercise program. His initiative and personal involvement overcame many planning difficulties during a period of massive command restructuring and preserved essential continuity of exercise operations, thus increasing the readiness of the Region's air forces. As Executive Agent for the development of the new tri-service command and control headquarters at Stavanger, Norway, General Borling was the driving force behind the successful establishment of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's first fully integrated headquarters. His leadership ensured the Commander-in-Chief's goals and priorities were met and the headquarters was properly staffed and equipped to meet mission capability requirements ahead of schedule. The result of his efforts was a model for future integrated headquarters in Allied Command Europe. The distinctive accomplishments of General Borling reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.
Action Date: January 1992 - June 1994Service: Air Force
Rank: Major General
Defense Distinguished Service Medal
See more recipients of this awardAwarded for actions during the Peace Time Awards
(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Major General John Lorin Borling, United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility.
Service: Air ForceRank: Major General
Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
See more recipients of this awardAwarded for actions during the Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Major General John Lorin Borling, United States Air Force, was awarded the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility.
Service: Air ForceRank: Major General
Silver Star
See more recipients of this awardAwarded for actions during the Vietnam War
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major John Lorin Borling, United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during the period from 1 August 1966 to 12 September 1966, while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. During this period major Borling was placed into a dark cell, severely harassed and brutally tortured for a war crimes confession. While resisting to the limits of his physical and mental abilities, Major Borling continued to communicate with others who were under heavy enemy pressure, morally inspiring them to hold out for a long period against enemy demands. The word of Major Borling's heroic resistance spread across the prison camp and was a source of inspiration to his fellow officers. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Borling has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air force.
Action Date: August 1 - September 12, 1966Service: Air Force
Rank: Major
Division: Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)
Defense Superior Service Medal
See more recipients of this awardAwarded for actions during the Peace Time Awards
Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Defense Superior Service Medal to Major General John Lorin Borling, United States Air Force, for exceptionally superior service to the Department of Defense.
Service: Air ForceRank: Major General
Legion of Merit
See more recipients of this awardAwarded for actions during the Peace Time Awards
(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Major General John Lorin Borling, United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.
Service: Air ForceRank: Major General
Legion of Merit
See more recipients of this awardAwarded for actions during the Peace Time Awards
(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Major General John Lorin Borling, United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.
Service: Air ForceRank: Major General
Distinguished Flying Cross
See more recipients of this awardAwarded for actions during the Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Major John Lorin Borling, United States Air Force, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia.
General Orders: Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-560 (March 23, 1966)Action Date: Vietnam War
Service: Air Force
Rank: Major
Distinguished Flying Cross
See more recipients of this awardAwarded for actions during the Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Major John Lorin Borling, United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Southeast Asia.
General Orders: Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-560 (March 23, 1966)Action Date: Vietnam War
Service: Air Force
Rank: Major
Prisoner of War Medal
See more recipients of this awardAwarded for actions during the Vietnam War
Major John Lorin Borling, United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from June 1, 1966 until his release on February 12, 1973.
Action Date: June 1, 1966 - February 12, 1973Service: Air Force
Rank: Major
MAJOR GENERAL JOHN L. BORLING
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Printable bioBorn in Chicago, General Borling studied at the University of Illinois and Augustana College prior to graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1963. He received his pilot wings in August 1964, then completed F-4 fighter training. In 1966, after 97 combat missions in Southeast Asia, he was shot down by ground fire northeast of Hanoi, North Vietnam. Seriously injured, he was captured and spent 6 1/2 years as a prisoner of war. He returned to the United States and resumed his military career to include command of fighter, bomber, tanker, missile and support units at squadron, group and division level. He is a command pilot and has flown many different aircraft. High level staff experience includes the White House, the Pentagon, Strategic Air Command as director of operations for the conflicts in Panama and Iraq, and Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE).
EDUCATION
1963 Bachelor of science degree in humanities and management, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo.
1975 White House Fellow, Washington, D.C.
1976 Armed Forces Staff College, Norfolk, Va.
1980 National War College, Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C.
1989 Joint Flag Officer Warfighting Course, Ala.
1991 Senior Managers in Government Course, Harvard University, Mass.
ASSIGNMENTS
1. June 1963 - July 1964, pilot training, Laredo Air Force Base, Texas
2. July 1964 - January 1965, F-4 combat crew training, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz.
3. February 1965 - June 1966, F-4 pilot, 433rd Fighter Squadron, George Air Force Base, Calif., and Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand
4. June 1966 - February 1973, prisoner of war, Hanoi, North Vietnam
5. February 1973 - August 1974, T-38 recurrency, Instructor Pilot Instrument School, and F-4 pilot, George Air Force Base, Calif.
6. August 1974 - August 1975, White House Fellow, special assistant to the counselor to the president and executive assistant to special assistant to the president for human resources, the White House, Washington, D.C.
7. August 1975 - January 1976, Armed Forces Staff College, Norfolk, Va.
8. January 1976 - August 1979, operations officer, F-15, 71st and 94th Fighter Squadrons, chief of maintenance training, and commander, 94th Fighter Squadron (Hat in the Ring), Langley Air Force Base, Va.
9. August 1979 - July 1980, National War College, Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C.
10. August 1980 - February 1982, chief, Checkmate Group, and assistant deputy director for operational initiatives and joint matters, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
11. February 1982 - August 1984, commander, 86th Combat Support Group and commander, 86th Fighter Group, Ramstein Air Base, West Germany
12. August 1984 - June 1986, senior special assistant to the chief of staff, and principal staff and executive officer to the chief of staff, SHAPE, Mons, Belgium
13. June 1986 - January 1987, executive to the commander in chief, Headquarters Strategic Air Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.
14. January 1987 - June 1987, assistant for plans and policy, deputy chief of staff, plans, Headquarters Strategic Air Command; and deputy director for analysis, concepts and systems, (Joint Strategic Target Planning Staff), Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.
15. June 1987 - June 1988, commander, 57th Air Division, Strategic Air Command, Minot Air Force Base, N.D.
16. June 1988 - July 1989, assistant to deputy chief of staff, operations, Headquarters Strategic Air Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.
17. July 1989 - February 1991, deputy chief of staff for operations; and deputy director of operations, STRACOS, Headquarters Strategic Air Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.
18. January 1991 - January 1992, director of operational requirements, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
19. January 1992 - June 1994, deputy chief of staff, Air, Headquarters AFNORTH, Kolsas, Norway
20. June 1994 - present, chief of staff, Headquarters Allied Forces North Europe, Stavanger, Norway
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Rating: Command pilot
Flight hours: More than 3,000
Aircraft flown: Fighter, bomber, tanker and reconnaissance
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Distinguished Service Medal
Silver Star
Defense Superior Service Medal
Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster
Distinguished Flying Cross with oak leaf cluster
Bronze Star Medal with "V" device and two oak leaf clusters
Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster
Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster
Air Medal with five oak leaf clusters
Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Presidential Unit Citation
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Second Lieutenant Jun 5, 1963
First Lieutenant Dec 5, 1964
Captain Mar 10, 1967
Major Apr 1, 1974
Lieutenant Colonel Dec 1, 1976
Colonel Feb 1, 1980
Brigadier General Aug 1, 1987
Major General Dec 1, 1989
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