The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
BLEAK, DAVID B.
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S.
Army, Medical Company 223d Infantry Regiment, 40th Infantry Division. Place and date:
Vicinity of Minari-gol, Korea, 14 June 1952. Entered service at: Shelley, Idaho. Born:
27 February 1932, Idaho Falls, Idaho. G.O. No.: 83, 2 November 1953.
Citation:
Sgt. Bleak, a member of the medical company, distinguished himself by conspicuous
gallantry and indomitable courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the
enemy. As a medical aidman, he volunteered to accompany a reconnaissance patrol committed
to engage the enemy and capture a prisoner for interrogation. Forging up the rugged slope
of the key terrain, the group was subjected to intense automatic weapons and small arms
fire and suffered several casualties. After administering to the wounded, he continued to
advance with the patrol. Nearing the military crest of the hill, while attempting to cross
the fire-swept area to attend the wounded, he came under hostile fire from a small group
of the enemy concealed in a trench. Entering the trench he closed with the enemy, killed 2
with bare hands and a third with his trench knife. Moving from the emplacement, he saw a
concussion grenade fall in front of a companion and, quickly shifting his position,
shielded the man from the impact of the blast. Later, while ministering to the wounded, he
was struck by a hostile bullet but, despite the wound, he undertook to evacuate a wounded
comrade. As he moved down the hill with his heavy burden, he was attacked by 2 enemy
soldiers with fixed bayonets. Closing with the aggressors, he grabbed them and smacked
their heads together, then carried his helpless comrade down the hill to safety. Sgt.
Bleak's dauntless courage and intrepid actions reflect utmost credit upon himself and are
in keeping with the honored traditions of the military service.
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