The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel (Medical Corps) Samuel Bleichfeld (ASN: 0-250258), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the 1st Medical Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, from 14 March 1943 to 8 May 1945. Lieutenant Colonel Bleichfeld displayed keen foresight and initiative in developing his battalion into an efficiently operating organization. His vigorous leadership and example inspired his subordinates to an almost superhuman effort, enabling them to cope with a great influx of patients and to expedite the treatment and return of men to the combat teams. Lieutenant Colonel Bleichfeld’s professional skill and brilliant performance of duty reflect the highest credit upon him and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Bronze Star Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Medical Corps)Batallion:
1st Medical BattalionDivision:
1st Infantry DivisionAction Date:
March 14, 1943 – May 8, 1945
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Medical Corps)Batallion:
1st Medical BattalionDivision:
1st Infantry DivisionAction Date:
June 6, 1944
Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 33 (July 10, 1944)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Medical Corps) Samuel Bleichfeld (ASN: 0-250258), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as a Medical Officer with Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 1st Medical Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Vierville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France, 6 June 1944. While his craft waited for the enemy to be driven from the beach, Colonel Bleichfeld, realizing the necessity for his services, transferred to a boat proceeding directly to the fire-swept shore and established the first clearing station for treatment and evacuation of casualties. His exemplary conduct, in the face of grave personal danger, merits highest praise. Lieutenant Colonel Bleichfield’s gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Medical Corps)Batallion:
1st Medical BattalionDivision:
1st Infantry DivisionAction Date:
July 5, 1944
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal to Lieutenant Colonel (Medical Corps) Samuel Bleichfeld (ASN: 0-250258), United States Army, for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy in the vicinity of Belleray, Normandy, France, 5 July 1944. Despite intense enemy artillery fire, Colonel Bleichfeld, with utter disregard for personal safety, checked the condition of men and personally directed the prompt evacuation of wounded personnel. Colonel Bleichfeld’s heroic actions and outstanding devotion to duty reflect great credit upon the Army Medical Corps.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Medical Corps)Regiment:
26th Infantry RegimentDivision:
1st Infantry DivisionAction Date:
November 8, 1942 – March 13, 1943
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Lieutenant Colonel (Medical Corps) Samuel Bleichfeld (ASN: 0-250258), United States Army, for meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy in the North Africa Theater of Operations from 8 November 1942 to 13 March 1943. Colonel Bleichfeld, as Regimental Surgeon, by his outstanding professional skill, dauntless courage, and exemplary organizational ability, contributed immeasurably to the prompt and efficient treatment of the wounded during the North Africa campaign. Colonel Bleichfeld’s unwavering devotion to duty exemplifies the finest traditions of the Medical Corps.