b. 28/08/1947 Petersburg, Kentucky. d. 27/05/1969 Vietnam.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 27/05/1969 Binh Duong, Vietnam.
Charles C Fleek MOH
Fleek joined the Army from Cincinnati, Ohio, and by May 27, 1969 was serving as a Sergeant in Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. During a firefight on that day, in Bình Dng Province, Republic of Vietnam, Fleek used his helmet to scoop an enemy-thrown hand grenade with his helmet. The grenade exploded before he could get it away from his body, sacrificing his life to protect those around him. His posthumous Medal of Honor was presented to his family at The White House on 16 February 1971 by President Richard M. Nixon.
MOH CITATION:
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.
BURIAL LOCATION: PETERSBURG CEMETERY, PETERSBURG, KENTUCKY.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: BOONE COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, BURLINGTON, KENTUCKY.
