Dan Markyle Bartlett

Lance Corporal Dan Bartlett, a valiant soldier, and a true American hero, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2023, at the age of 81. Dan was born June 21, 1941, to parents David and Verna Jane Ann (Thomas) Bartlett in Artesia, NM. Dan's courageous spirit and unwavering dedication to his country defined his life, particularly during his service in the Vietnam War, where he earned both the prestigious Purple Heart and Silver Star medals for his exceptional bravery and selflessness.
Enlisting in the United States Marine Corps, Dan displayed remarkable strength and resilience from the very beginning. He was deployed to Vietnam as a member of the 1st Marine Division, where he would face the trials and tribulations of war. Dan's exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to his fellow soldiers distinguished him in the midst of chaos and danger.
During a fierce firefight near Xuan Ngoc Village, Dan's squad was ambushed by a force of about sixty Viet Cong. Withering fire from machine guns and automatic weapons poured in from three sides, wounding several Marines, including Lance Corporal Bartlett, in the initial volley. Ignoring his own suffering, he skillfully operated his radio and established contact with the rest of the platoon, which was situated about two thousand meters away. Although he was wounded four more times during the vicious thirty-five-minute firefight, he stalwartly maintained contact with the parent unit, calling for medical assistance and helping to direct the relief forces to the beleaguered position. For his acts of valor and exceptional courage, Dan was awarded a Purple Heart and Silver Star, both awards a testament to his courage, sacrifice, indomitable spirit, and remarkable fortitude.
While Dan's time in Vietnam shaped him profoundly, his life was not defined solely by his military service. After his honorable discharge, he dedicated himself to his friends, family, and comrades-in-arms, whose lives he touched and whose spirits he lifted during their darkest days. Dan is preceded in death by his parents David and Verna Bartlett, brothers Larry, David Thomas, Warner Bartlett, and sister Jane Ann Bartlett. Survivors are his brothers John Bartlett of Hobbs, NM, Mike Bartlett of Roswell, NM, and Eric Bartlett of Brownwood, TX. Sisters Susan Knight of Odessa, TX, Marion Bartlett of Levelland, TX, Gail Graham of Vail, AZ, Dennis Colclough of Artesia, NM, and Vicky Keeling of Hobbs, NM.