Pat Bittinger suggested this post for another of Connellsvilles Heroes: David Bartock, from South Connellsville, was born the 21st of April, 1948. He enlisted with the Marines in February, 1966, and served with the 1st Marine Division, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines in Viet Nam in the Quang Ngai Province. He was awarded the following service ribbons: the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Navy Presidential Unit Citation, the National Defense Service Medal, the Viet Nam Service Medal, the Viet Nam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, the Viet Nam Civil Actions Unit Citation, and the Republic of Viet Nam Campaign Medal. Dave became Connellsvilles first Viet Nam fatality on the 10th of March, 1967, still only eighteen years old, with just four months in country. He was leading a patrol on a sweep of an enemy stronghold. it was only after his mission was completed sucessfully that he tripped a booby trap that exploded and killed him. Daves Platoon leader wrote his family to tell them that his greatest contribution to his fellow marines, other than his accuracy with his weapon, was his constant smile. Daves brother Joe Jr. was returning from 13 months in Nam when Dave was sent over and missed seeing him before he left. Joe needed to give him his big brother talk and warn him to be careful and to watch out for the booby traps. Dave was brought home and buried at Green Ridge Memorial Park off route 119. Anchor Hocking, where Daves mother worked, placed a Memorial Plaque, in 1971, on the flag pole at plant #5 in his honor.
Posted on: Mon, 12 Jan 2015 23:25:20 +0000
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