Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

Company C, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded for:

Operation Stalemate II

"For extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Rifle Squad Leader of Company C, First Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 19 September 1944. Attacking with his squad across a fire-swept causeway behind a platoon of tanks, Sergeant Bartlett, upon reaching the causeway, noted that the tanks were unable to cross. With his company momentarily halted on the edge of the lagoon and immediately subjected to heavy concentrations of enemy fire, he quickly rose up under the hail of small-arms fire and started across the fifty-yard stretch of exposed causeway. Following his gallant example, his squad and the balance of the company followed him through the fire despite severe casualties. Upon reaching the other side of the lagoon, Sergeant Bartlett quickly reorganized his squad and, after renewing the attack to seize his objective, organized and held the ground against vigorous enemy counterattacks until he was seriously wounded. His indomitable fighting spirit, aggressive leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 00597-45.