DEAN ALLEN BORNEMAN

Dean Allen Borneman died in the service of his country while serving in
Company K (Ranger), 75th Infantry (Airborne), 4th Infantry Division

Last name: Borneman
First name: Dean Allen
Home of Record (official): Dumont
State (official): IA
Date of Birth: January 20, 1949
Marital Status:

Branch: Army
Rank: E-4
Component: Infantry
MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code): 11B2P
Major Organization: 4th Infantry Division
Unit of assignment: Company K (Ranger), 75th Infantry (Airborne)

Entered Service:
Start of Tour: September 17, 1969
Date of Casualty: January 23, 1970
Age at time of loss: 21
Casualty type: Hostile, died
Reason: Gun, small arms fire, ground
Country: South, Vietnam
Province:

Vietnam Memorial Wall: Panel 14W, Row 58

Ranger Memorial Stone: Section B, Column 19

To the family that has had to bear the loss of Dean, we offers our heart-felt thanks for your standing so strong. Many that enjoy real freedom have been affected by the great contribution he gave towards our freedom. He is still dearly loved and missed, even to this day. Lord, those who knew Dean Allen Borneman are so thankful you allowed them to be graced by his being among them. We his brothers of like spirit, a spirit that says all people, of all nations, should enjoy the right to live free and to choose for themselves, do also thank you. He stands out to us and the world as a symbol of the price of freedom. Your Word says; "no greater love hath a man than this, to give his life for a friend" He did just that! He forsook self-preservation for another to live. He acted out of Love, a Love that required No Contemplation but Rather Action. Surely it never crossed his mind at the moment that he would come to be known as a "HERO". We thank you for men and women like our brother that thought it not too much, to give his life for others to live. Lord, this day give comfort to those loved ones that have been all these years without him. Help them to know he is at rest with you and "Warriors" of like kind. May we never forget the blood of others bought our freedoms. Lord, regardless of our belief, help us as we remember him and the many like him to consider the following words of wisdom; to love the Lord our God with all our Hearts, Soul, Mind, and Strength, and secondly to Love Our Neighbor as Our Self. Truly acceptance and application of this wisdom by all people of the world, is to see war and all other atrocities against humanity end! May our hearts be charged to honor the sacrifices of such men and women with a continuous and sincere effort to promote peace on earth and good will towards all? To the family that has had to bear the loss of Dean, we offers our heart-felt thanks for your standing so strong. Many that enjoy real freedom have been affected by the great contribution he gave towards our freedom. He is still dearly loved and missed, even to this day.

I am greatly honored to offer up a Tribute to Dean Allen Morgan. He was truly one of America's best! He did distinguish himself not out of pride, but out of what the man was about. "LOVE"! We may define it as a sacrificial love, and so it was. On January 23, 1970 he displayed unconditional love and without contemplation he gave his life breath in an attempt to save his teammate, Bill Bartholomew already downed by enemy fire. If he were alive now, his humble manner would cause him to feel uncomfortable being called a Hero, but he was. He and Bill now are listed on the Honor Role of Heaven for their willingness to lay their life on the line, not just for our Freedom, but for the Freedom of the Vietnamese people. Dean's was a member of one of the most dangerous units that served in Vietnam. The famed 75th Rangers. To take this step was heroic in itself. One had to volunteer to serve with the Long Range Patrol Rangers. Why? Because these guys would be ask to go deep into enemy held territory with only a team of 4 men Often so close to the enemy, they feared even to breathe, for fear they may give themselves away. They were in the mind twisting, gut wrenching, business of securing vital information for High Headquarters and other commanders. Information that would allow better planning for use of larger forces. These men though out the war saved countless lives of Americans and Allied forces. Most would never know they had done this. A brave lot of spirited men that knew the odds of survival, but still did it at great risk to themselves. Some said they either have nerves and guts of steal, or are somewhat crazy! Dean served admirably and served with such a tight nit group of guys. This closeness made them brothers for life. Those that can, still get together at reunions to renew old friendships and remember our Fallen brothers. Gone but not forgotten! Dean we love and miss you. Sua Sponta, Rangers Lead The Way!

Bob Smyers

Dean and I (James W. England, then SSG), served together in K/75 Rangers. I was the team leader, he was the team's senior scout. We were great friends, I really miss him. I was "ordered" to take an R&R, and had to leave my team; my CO assured me they would be in camp until my return. Of course that wasn't to be. When I returned they were in the field under the leadership of my ATL, Chuck Weidner. Chuck was a good soldier, but with far to little experience. When they got into contact, Dean and Chuck both showed their bravery under fire. Dean was killed trying to help Bill Bartholomew who was hit and was also killed that terrible day. Chuck then tried to help Dean. I was in the field with a new team at the time, and had to listen to it all over the radio. Of course, to this day I still blame myself in many ways for not being there. But then I know it would probably not have changed anything, but the guilt is still there. Things changed forever for me that day. I named my second son for Dean ... Charles Dean England. My son has a great respect for that middle name; he has taken the honor very seriously. I eventually wrote a book, "Long Range Patrol Operations," and dedicated it to Dean. On the 20th Anniversary of his death I tracked down his father and gave him a call. I didn't really know what to say, but wound up telling him about the book and my son. I guess I just wanted him to know his son was not forgotten. Here it is thirty years later, and it still gets to me to think, write, or talk about Dean. I miss you Dean. I hope your "next life" has been a happy one, you deserve it. That day has been one of the few things in my life that I wish I could go back and change.

James W. England, Master Sergeant (retired)

Everyone on the Wall should have a remembrance....
In gratitude for your ultimate sacrifice....I honor your memory today, on the anniversary of the country's great loss of Dean Allen Borneman on the foreign soil of Viet Nam. I'm sure your family and friends are very proud of you, miss you dearly and still feel the pain of their loss.
in peace always


C. Blake