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Adapted from "Captain Lewis C. Bartlett, United States Navy, Deceased" [biography, dated 14 March 1963] in Modern Biographical Files collection, Navy Department Library.

Topic
  • Operations
Document Type
  • Biography
Wars & Conflicts
  • China Service 1937-1939, 1945-1957
  • World War II 1939-1945
File Formats
Location of Archival Materials
  • NHHC-Library

Lewis Clark Bartlett 

24 May 1919-5 July 1983

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Lewis Clark Bartlett was born in Tampa, Florida, on May 24, 1919.  He was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science from the University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill, on August 27, 1941.  Earlier that month he had enlisted in the US Naval Reserve, but his enlistment was terminated on February 12, 1942, with his appointment as Midshipman, USNR.  He was graduated from Midshipmen’s School at Northwestern University and commissioned Ensign in the Naval Reserve to date from May 5, 1942, and by subsequent advancement and his transfer to the US Navy in 1853, he attained the rank of Captain, USN, to date from June 1, 1962.

In May and June 1942 he was assigned, for indoctrination, to the Naval Training Schools, Local Defense, at Treasure Island, San Francisco, California, and on June 17, that year reported for duty at the Section Base, Morro Bay, California.  There he served as Second Officer, Patrol Craft, later as Officer-in-Charge of Patrol Craft, until November 1942.  When detached he reported to the USS APC-42, for fitting out duty, and on January 13, 1943, was transferred to the USS APC-33, in which he served successively as Third Officer, Executive Officer and Commanding Officer before his detachment on May 15, 1944.

During the latter period of World War II he had instruction at the Naval Training Center, Miami, Florida, served briefly at the Precommissioning Training Center, Treasure Island, California, and from November 1944 to November 1945 was Navigator of the USS Natrona (APA-214).  In that capacity he participated in the assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto in the Pacific combat area, and after the Japanese surrender had occupation service in the Far East before returning to the United States.  He served briefly at Headquarters, Eleventh Naval District, San Diego, California, and was released to inactive duty at Headquarters, Seventh Naval District, Key West, Florida.

Recalled to active military service in October 1948, he had a tour of duty in the Bureau of Naval personnel, Navy Department, Washington, DC, where he served as Assistant to the Special Assistant to the Chief of Naval Personnel.  Detached in December 1951, he reported on January 6, 1952 to the Fleet Sonar School, Kew West, Florida, and after a month’s instruction joined the USS Noa (DD-841).  He served as Executive Officer and Navigator of that destroyer assigned to occupation service in the European Areas, and in January 1954 returned to the Bureau of Naval Personnel to serve for three years as a Congressional Liaison Officer (liaison between members of Congress, Congressional Staffs and the Navy Department).

On July 15, 1957 he assumed command of the USS Zellars (DD-777), and remained in that command for two years.  He then had instruction in “Naval Warfare” at the Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island, and upon graduation in June 1960 was assigned to the USS Helena (CA-75).  He served until March 1962 as her Executive Officer, after which he had temporary duty on the Staff of Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Force, Pacific, before his assignment on April 16, 1962, as Commander Destroyer Division FIFTY-TWO.

On February 1, 1963 he was ordered detached from command of Destroyer Division 52 and to duty as Chief of the Naval Section, Military Assistance Advisory Group, Portugal, at Lisbon.

Captain Bartlett has the Naval Reserve Medal (for ten years’ service in the US Naval Reserve); the American Campaign Medal; Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three engagement stars; World War II Victory Medal; Navy Occupation Service Medal, Asia and Europe Clasps; China Service Medal (extended); the National Defense Service Medal; and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon.

END

Published: Wed Feb 24 14:44:09 EST 2021