Charles Clinton Fleek

Shielding eight fellow soldiers from a grenade during ambush

Charles Clinton “Chalky” Fleek (August 28, 1947–May 27, 1969) was a U.S. Army sergeant from Petersburg, Kentucky, whose Medal of Honor recognized a final act of self-sacrifice during the Vietnam War. He attended Boone County High School and volunteered with the Petersburg Fire Department before joining the Army in 1968. He served as a squad leader in Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. On May 27, 1969, his unit occupied an ambush position in Bình Dương Province when a much larger enemy force approached. As the lead element began to withdraw, Fleek opened fire and directed his squad’s effective response, turning the ambush into a fierce close-range fight.

An enemy grenade landed in the squad’s position. Fleek saw that his men had not noticed it. Though he could have taken cover, he shouted a warning and threw himself onto the grenade, absorbing the blast. The official citation states that his action saved the lives or prevented injury to at least eight fellow soldiers. He was killed in the explosion.

The Medal of Honor was presented posthumously by President Richard Nixon at the White House on February 16, 1971. He was buried in Petersburg Cemetery. Fleek is commemorated in Petersburg, where a Kentucky Historical Society marker recounts his service and sacrifice.

### Medal of Honor 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 eight 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.