Army Sergeant Charles Herbert Borders was born in Jay, Florida on December 7, 1927, the son of George Vernon "Tobe" Borders (1896-1953) and Emma Elizabeth Seay (1898-1992). His father was originally from Georgia and relocated to Jay, Florida in 1923. There, he supported his family both as a farmer and later as a pipe fitter.
During the Korean War, Sergeant Borders enlisted on January 17, 1951 and after his initial training was sent to the 65th Infantry Regiment that was attached to the 3rd Infantry Division. His new regiment was comprised of soldiers from Puerto Rico and were nicknamed the "Boringueneers." In Korea, they had already earned the honor of conducting the last large-scale bayonet charge in US Army history on February 2, 1951. But, given Border's enlistment date, he would have only arrived in Korea in time for the Chinese offensive in the Spring of 1951 where they were already locked in combat with two Chinese divisions. During this time, the regiment's operational area was the Chorwon Valley where they continually fought the enemy on a daily basis in the Iron Triangle.
Borders and his regiment fought constantly during the remainder of 1951 but now it was time to strike the enemy and drive them back north. In September 1952, he and his regiment were defending a position called "Outpost Kelly" near Yonchon, North Korea. The fighting turned fierce but in spite of their courageous efforts, the Chinese overran their position inflicting 542 casualties. In October, the enemy offensive again struck the regiment's position at "Jackson Heights." Again, the fighting was close quarters and bloody especially "Hill 391", a pivotal point in the US defenses. Here, the regiment was forced to retreat with one company refusing orders to attack. Because of this, 162 soldiers were charged with insubordination and mutiny with 91 imprisoned from 1-18 years. Later reviews revealed mitigating circumstances for their behavior and all those involved were eventually pardoned.
The fighting would continue to rage back and forth north of the 38th Parallel as the two opponents exhausted themselves. However, in April 1953 Sgt. Borders collapsed! The exact circumstances are known only to the family. Whether it occurred over time or suddenly only they would know. But in any case, Borders died on April 25, 1953 from pulmonary congestion and edema near the North Korean town of Chang-mil. Most of the time, this condition is brought about by heart problems coupled with fluid in the lungs from pneumonia, trauma to the chest wall, and/or exertions at high elevations. Regardless, his family was notified of his demise and his remains were shipped home to Jay, Florida on Friday July 3, 1953. The young man of 24-years old was laid to rest two days later in the Pine Level Cemetery. In the meantime, an Armistice was signed on July 27, 1953 that brought an end to the fighting in Korea.
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