Medal of Honor: Charles Clinton Fleek – Vietnam War – May 27, 1967

Name: Charles Clinton Fleek
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: U.S. Army
War: Vietnam War
Unit: Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division
Date of Action: May 27, 1967
Location: Binh Duong Province, Republic of Vietnam

Summary of Action

On 27 May 1967, Sergeant Charles Clinton Fleek displayed extraordinary heroism during combat operations in Binh Duong Province, Vietnam.

Fleek’s unit had established concealed ambush positions while conducting operations against enemy forces in the area.

As the soldiers waited in silence, a large enemy force approached the American positions.

Just before entering the kill zone, the lead enemy element sensed danger and began attempting to withdraw.

Reacting instantly, Fleek opened fire and directed the devastating fire of his squad against the numerically superior enemy force.

A fierce firefight immediately erupted across the ambush line.

During the battle, an enemy soldier hurled a grenade directly into Fleek’s squad position.

Realizing that the other soldiers near him had not seen the grenade land, Fleek acted without hesitation.

Although he had an opportunity to seek cover himself, he instead shouted a warning to his men and deliberately threw himself onto the grenade.

The explosion killed him instantly.

By absorbing the full force of the blast with his own body, Sergeant Fleek saved or prevented serious injury to at least eight fellow soldiers.

His selfless sacrifice and extraordinary courage reflected the very highest traditions of the United States Army.

Medal of Honor Citation

FLEEK, CHARLES CLINTON

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.