Charles Clinton Fleek
Charles Clinton Fleek | |
|---|---|
Bình Dương Province, Republic of Vietnam | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1968–1969 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War † |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Charles Clinton "Chalky"[2] Fleek (August 28, 1947 – May 27, 1969) was a United States Army soldier and a posthumous recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War.
Biography
Fleek joined the Army from
On August 17, 2018, a section of state highway Kentucky Route 20 in Petersburg, was named the Charles "Chalky" Fleek Memorial Highway.[2]
Medal of Honor citation
Sergeant Fleek's official Medal of Honor citation reads:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Fleek distinguished himself while serving as a squad leader in Company C, during an ambush operation. Sgt. Fleek's unit was deployed in ambush locations when a large enemy force approached the position. Suddenly, the leading enemy element, sensing the ambush, halted and started to withdraw. Reacting instantly, Sgt. Fleek opened fire and directed the effective fire of his men upon the numerically superior enemy force. During the fierce battle that followed, an enemy soldier threw a grenade into the squad position. Realizing that his men had not seen the grenade, Sgt. Fleek, although in a position to seek cover, shouted a warning to his comrades and threw himself onto the grenade, absorbing its blast. His gallant action undoubtedly saved the lives or prevented the injury of at least 8 of his fellow soldiers. Sgt. Fleek's gallantry and willing self-sacrifice were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.[3]
See also
References
This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Army Center of Military History.
- ^ "Fleek, Charles". Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation. Archived from the original on January 26, 2019.
- ^ a b "Charles Fleek Memorial Highway Dedicated". Boone County, Kentucky. Archived from the original on 2021-05-16. Retrieved 2019-01-26.
- ^ a b "Medal of Honor recipients – Vietnam (A-L)". United States Army Center of Military History. August 3, 2009. Archived from the original on 2009-06-27. Retrieved 2009-09-21.