Charles Clinton Fleek

The database page for Charles Clinton Fleek

27 Mar 2008 Though I was not a blood relative of Chalkie's I grew up as his cousin. I was three years younger than him and looked up to him. I myself entered the Air Force in 1968 and spent 22 years on active duty. Besides having lost Chalkie I lost many other friends in Vietnam. No one from Charles's family has ever heard from anyone that might of been with him the day he lost his life. He was in Binh Duong Province and Charles was a squad leader in Company C during an ambush operation and during an encounter with the enemy Charles threw himself upon a grenade. He received the Medal of Honor for his actions that day, saving 8 of his fellow comrades from harm. If anyone might remember this incident and wouldn't mind talking about it I would appreciate any contact. From a close friend, Herbert (Rick) Banyea hbanyea@cityofsharonville.com

A Note from The Virtual Wall The President of the United States in the name of the Congress of the United States takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to CHARLES CLINTON FLEEK Sergeant United States Army for service as set forth in the following CITATION: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sergeant Fleek distinguished himself while serving as a squad leader in Company C, during an ambush operation. Sergeant 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, Sergeant 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, Sergeant 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. Sergeant 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. Although Sergeant Fleek entered the service from Cincinnati, Ohio, his actual place of residence was Petersburg, Kentucky - and he is buried there, in the Petersburg Cemetery. Note: Many internet sites incorrectly give the date Sergeant Fleek was killed as 27 May 1967 rather than 27 May 1969.

The point-of-contact for this memorial is a close friend, Herbert (Rick) Banyea hbanyea@cityofsharonville.com

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Memorial first published on 27 Mar 2008
Last updated 04/05/2008