Fred served in the Air Force in Headquarters, 315th Air Division. In addition to being awarded the Purple Heart, Captain Bartleson was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster) by distinguishing himself under heavy mortar and recoilless rifle fire during a Viet Cong attack on Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam on 13 April 1966. Although wounded in the left leg by shrapnel, Captain Bartleson refused medical aid and continued to supervise the remove of aircraft. In doing so, he saved seven C-130 aircraft from destruction.
We honor you, Fred Bartleson Jr.
