TFH 6/14: SGT David B. Bleak, USA

David Bruce Bleak was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho on February 27, 1932. A high school dropout, he worked in manual labor jobs before enlisting in the United States Army. In January 1952 he deployed with the 40th Infantry Division for the Korean War. Bleak was an intimidating figure, standing 6' 5" and weighing 250 pounds. He was trained and served as a combat medic.

Sixty years ago today he accompanied a reconnaissance patrol that came under heavy fire along an exposed ridge. Armed with only his hands and his trench knife, David Bleak did whatever he had to to neutralize the enemy and evacuate the wounded men he was caring for. His gallantry was recognized with our Nation's highest honor.


From Medal of Honor Citations for the Korean War:


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.

David Bleak survived the Korean War. He passed away in March 2006, was cremated, and had his ashes scattered at his favorite fishing spot. A cenotaph in his memory stands at the Lost River Cemetery  in Moore, Idaho.

The 40th Infantry Division is today a National Guard formation made up of Guardsmen from California, Oregon, and Washington.