San Antonio honored one of its heroes on this day in 1995 - 52 years after he was killed in action during World War II that led him to beposthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Marine SSgt. William J. Borderlon was killed on Nov. 20, 1943 in action against the Japanese-held Atoll of Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands. Marine SSgt. William J. Borderlon of San Antonio was killed on Nov. 20, 1943 in action against the Japanese-held Atoll of Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands.