General John L. Borling

General Borling served 33 years in the United States Air Force, earning two Purple Hearts, a
Silver Star, and numerous other distinguished service medals.

He was also held as a prisoner of
war for six and a half years alongside the late Senator John McCain after being shot down over
Vietnam.

Born 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. As a command pilot, he 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).