Ronald E. Bartley

Born in Underwood, North Dakota on June 23, 1921. Entered the US Army in Lubbock, Texas June 25, 1941. Served the European African Middle Eastern Theater.

Flight Officer Bartley was a Co-Pilot of 8th Air Force, B-17G Flying Fortress #42-31763 nicknamed "Ten Horsepower."

He was Killed In Action on mission to Leipzig when struck by cannon fire from German Me-109 fighters. The pilot was severely wounded and lost control of the aircraft. The Navigator and Flight Engineer took control of the plane and pulled it out of a dive and flew towards England. The remaining crew aboard were ordered to bail out after the ship cleared the English Channel. Second Lieutenant Walter E. Truemper and Sergeant Archibald Mathies remained aboard and attempted to land. Control of the B-17 was lost on a third attempt to land at the base and crashed between Glatton and Polebrook. The three remaining men aboard were killed.

For their heroic efforts to save the life of the pilot 2nd Lt Clarence R Nelson, and return the aircraft to base, 2nd Lt Walter E Truemper and Sgt Archibald Mathies were posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Flight Officer Bartley is buried in Section D, Grave 40, Custer National Cemetery, Montanta.