Colonel, U.S. Army. World War II and Korean War.
Delbert Leonard Bjork was born on 27 June 1914 in Deep River, WA, and grew up in Astoria, OR. He played football for Astoria High School and then for the University of Oregon Ducks from 1934-36. Bjork played with the College All-Stars against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL, on 1 September 1937 and the All-Stars won the game 6-0. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Oregon in 1937, he was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the sixth round and played during 1937-38. He played in 20 games and started in 9 of them. In 1940, Bjork earned an Master of Science degree in Education, also from the University of Oregon.
On 25 May 1943, then-Captain Delbert Leonard Bjork was serving as Commander of Company F, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, Attu Landing Force.
On that day, CPT Bjork was in action against enemy forces at Attu, Territory of Alaska. CPT Bjork voluntarily lay in an exposed position in the face of intense fire by entrenched Japanese and directed fire that enabled other troops under his command to destroy the hostile position. Later, he penetrated enemy-held territory to find one of his officers that had become a casualty. CPT Bjork's outstanding leadership, courageous actions and extraordinary heroism earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.
After the Assault at Attu in the Aleutian Islands, Bjork led his troops in the invasion of the Philippines and Okinawa.
Following World War II, Bjork remained in the Army as a career officer and retired as a Colonel after 24 years of service.
Post-Military Service
In retirement, Bjork returned to Astoria where he taught Political Science, Health and Physical Education at Clatsop College.
Medals, Awards and Badges
Distinguished Service Cross
Bronze Star Medal with 4 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
Purple Heart with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
American Defense Service Medal
American Campaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Arrowhead and Silver Star
World War II Victory Medal
Army of Occupation Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Korean Service Medal with Silver and 2 Bronze Stars
United Nations Service Medal
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge
Distinguished Service Cross Citation
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) Delbert L. Bjork, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 25 May 1943, at Attu, Territory of Alaska. Captain Bjork voluntarily lay in an exposed position in the face of withering fire by entrenched Japanese and directed fire that enabled other troops under his command to destroy the hostile position. Later he penetrated enemy-held territory to find one of his officers who had become a casualty. Captain Bjork's outstanding leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 7th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army Troops, APO 726 (Attu Landing Force), General Orders No. 31 (1943)
Honors
● As a member of the Chicago Bears he was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1938.
● Inducted into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame in 1982.
● Inducted into the Astoria Hall of Fame with the first class in 1997.
Colonel Delbert Leonard Bjork has Honoree Record 311846, with biography, at MilitaryHallofHonor.com.
Delbert Leonard Bjork was born on 27 June 1914 in Deep River, WA, and grew up in Astoria, OR. He played football for Astoria High School and then for the University of Oregon Ducks from 1934-36. Bjork played with the College All-Stars against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL, on 1 September 1937 and the All-Stars won the game 6-0. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Oregon in 1937, he was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the sixth round and played during 1937-38. He played in 20 games and started in 9 of them. In 1940, Bjork earned an Master of Science degree in Education, also from the University of Oregon.
On 25 May 1943, then-Captain Delbert Leonard Bjork was serving as Commander of Company F, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, Attu Landing Force.
On that day, CPT Bjork was in action against enemy forces at Attu, Territory of Alaska. CPT Bjork voluntarily lay in an exposed position in the face of intense fire by entrenched Japanese and directed fire that enabled other troops under his command to destroy the hostile position. Later, he penetrated enemy-held territory to find one of his officers that had become a casualty. CPT Bjork's outstanding leadership, courageous actions and extraordinary heroism earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.
After the Assault at Attu in the Aleutian Islands, Bjork led his troops in the invasion of the Philippines and Okinawa.
Following World War II, Bjork remained in the Army as a career officer and retired as a Colonel after 24 years of service.
Post-Military Service
In retirement, Bjork returned to Astoria where he taught Political Science, Health and Physical Education at Clatsop College.
Medals, Awards and Badges
Distinguished Service Cross
Bronze Star Medal with 4 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
Purple Heart with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
American Defense Service Medal
American Campaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Arrowhead and Silver Star
World War II Victory Medal
Army of Occupation Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Korean Service Medal with Silver and 2 Bronze Stars
United Nations Service Medal
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge
Distinguished Service Cross Citation
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) Delbert L. Bjork, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 25 May 1943, at Attu, Territory of Alaska. Captain Bjork voluntarily lay in an exposed position in the face of withering fire by entrenched Japanese and directed fire that enabled other troops under his command to destroy the hostile position. Later he penetrated enemy-held territory to find one of his officers who had become a casualty. Captain Bjork's outstanding leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 7th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army Troops, APO 726 (Attu Landing Force), General Orders No. 31 (1943)
Honors
● As a member of the Chicago Bears he was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1938.
● Inducted into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame in 1982.
● Inducted into the Astoria Hall of Fame with the first class in 1997.
Colonel Delbert Leonard Bjork has Honoree Record 311846, with biography, at MilitaryHallofHonor.com.
Colonel, U.S. Army. World War II and Korean War.
Delbert Leonard Bjork was born on 27 June 1914 in Deep River, WA, and grew up in Astoria, OR. He played football for Astoria High School and then for the University of Oregon Ducks from 1934-36. Bjork played with the College All-Stars against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL, on 1 September 1937 and the All-Stars won the game 6-0. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Oregon in 1937, he was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the sixth round and played during 1937-38. He played in 20 games and started in 9 of them. In 1940, Bjork earned an Master of Science degree in Education, also from the University of Oregon.
On 25 May 1943, then-Captain Delbert Leonard Bjork was serving as Commander of Company F, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, Attu Landing Force.
On that day, CPT Bjork was in action against enemy forces at Attu, Territory of Alaska. CPT Bjork voluntarily lay in an exposed position in the face of intense fire by entrenched Japanese and directed fire that enabled other troops under his command to destroy the hostile position. Later, he penetrated enemy-held territory to find one of his officers that had become a casualty. CPT Bjork's outstanding leadership, courageous actions and extraordinary heroism earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.
After the Assault at Attu in the Aleutian Islands, Bjork led his troops in the invasion of the Philippines and Okinawa.
Following World War II, Bjork remained in the Army as a career officer and retired as a Colonel after 24 years of service.
Post-Military Service
In retirement, Bjork returned to Astoria where he taught Political Science, Health and Physical Education at Clatsop College.
Medals, Awards and Badges
Distinguished Service Cross
Bronze Star Medal with 4 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
Purple Heart with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
American Defense Service Medal
American Campaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Arrowhead and Silver Star
World War II Victory Medal
Army of Occupation Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Korean Service Medal with Silver and 2 Bronze Stars
United Nations Service Medal
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge
Distinguished Service Cross Citation
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) Delbert L. Bjork, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 25 May 1943, at Attu, Territory of Alaska. Captain Bjork voluntarily lay in an exposed position in the face of withering fire by entrenched Japanese and directed fire that enabled other troops under his command to destroy the hostile position. Later he penetrated enemy-held territory to find one of his officers who had become a casualty. Captain Bjork's outstanding leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 7th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army Troops, APO 726 (Attu Landing Force), General Orders No. 31 (1943)
Honors
● As a member of the Chicago Bears he was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1938.
● Inducted into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame in 1982.
● Inducted into the Astoria Hall of Fame with the first class in 1997.
Colonel Delbert Leonard Bjork has Honoree Record 311846, with biography, at MilitaryHallofHonor.com.
Delbert Leonard Bjork was born on 27 June 1914 in Deep River, WA, and grew up in Astoria, OR. He played football for Astoria High School and then for the University of Oregon Ducks from 1934-36. Bjork played with the College All-Stars against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL, on 1 September 1937 and the All-Stars won the game 6-0. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Oregon in 1937, he was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the sixth round and played during 1937-38. He played in 20 games and started in 9 of them. In 1940, Bjork earned an Master of Science degree in Education, also from the University of Oregon.
On 25 May 1943, then-Captain Delbert Leonard Bjork was serving as Commander of Company F, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, Attu Landing Force.
On that day, CPT Bjork was in action against enemy forces at Attu, Territory of Alaska. CPT Bjork voluntarily lay in an exposed position in the face of intense fire by entrenched Japanese and directed fire that enabled other troops under his command to destroy the hostile position. Later, he penetrated enemy-held territory to find one of his officers that had become a casualty. CPT Bjork's outstanding leadership, courageous actions and extraordinary heroism earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.
After the Assault at Attu in the Aleutian Islands, Bjork led his troops in the invasion of the Philippines and Okinawa.
Following World War II, Bjork remained in the Army as a career officer and retired as a Colonel after 24 years of service.
Post-Military Service
In retirement, Bjork returned to Astoria where he taught Political Science, Health and Physical Education at Clatsop College.
Medals, Awards and Badges
Distinguished Service Cross
Bronze Star Medal with 4 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
Purple Heart with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
American Defense Service Medal
American Campaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Arrowhead and Silver Star
World War II Victory Medal
Army of Occupation Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Korean Service Medal with Silver and 2 Bronze Stars
United Nations Service Medal
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge
Distinguished Service Cross Citation
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) Delbert L. Bjork, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 25 May 1943, at Attu, Territory of Alaska. Captain Bjork voluntarily lay in an exposed position in the face of withering fire by entrenched Japanese and directed fire that enabled other troops under his command to destroy the hostile position. Later he penetrated enemy-held territory to find one of his officers who had become a casualty. Captain Bjork's outstanding leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 7th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army Troops, APO 726 (Attu Landing Force), General Orders No. 31 (1943)
Honors
● As a member of the Chicago Bears he was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1938.
● Inducted into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame in 1982.
● Inducted into the Astoria Hall of Fame with the first class in 1997.
Colonel Delbert Leonard Bjork has Honoree Record 311846, with biography, at MilitaryHallofHonor.com.
Family Members
Spouse
Children
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