Michael Bartholomew

Photo of Michael Bartholomew
courtesy of his daughter Lisa

Michael Bartholomew

HHC 1/22 Infantry

KIA 07/25/69

SSGT - E6 - Army - Regular
4th Infantry Division
24 year old Married, Caucasian, Male
Born on Jun 01, 1945
From SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
Length of service 6 years.
His tour of duty began on Oct 17, 1968
Casualty was on Jul 25, 1969
in BINH DINH, SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY
MULTIPLE FRAGMENTATION WOUNDS
Body was recovered
Religion: LUTHERAN & MISSOURI SYNOD

Panel 20W - - Line 42

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Though at the time of his death, SSG Michael Bartholomew was not assigned to 1/22 Infantry,
he served nearly a year as a Regular. The following memory of Mike was written by Andrew Wysor,
under whom Mike Bartholomew served in HHC 1/22 Infantry:

Every time I visit the wall, I look up SSG Michael Bartholomew and "visit" him at his place on the Wall.
Mike was the epitome of both a great NCO and a great human being.
I first met him when I went over to see what it would take to use the medics' shower.
He told me to bring a 5 gallon can of water and place it in the tank and I was more than welcome.
The next day I brought over my can and he was on the ladder filling it. I was told to hand it up which I did.
The following day I went over and he told me he had already filled it and not to worry.
That was my introduction to Mike.
At the time, he was a Sergeant (E5) but he was soon selected for promotion to Staff Sergeant.
It was my pleasure to use my alcohol card to buy the beer for his promotion party.
Everyone on the base kicked in to include the cooks who found steaks.
Mike and I became great friends and we used to talk for hours while off duty.
Around July 1969, soon after we both turned 24,
Mike reenlisted within country as the reenlistment bonus was tax free and substantial for a medic.
When I asked why, he told me, "I want my family to have the good things."
Soon after, while going out with his battalion surgeon, the 1/4 ton struck a mine.
The doctor got out to check the damage and as he walked around the vehicle,
he stepped on another mine and all of them were killed.

It has been 36 years and I have constantly thought of him. He made the ultimate sacrifice for his family.
There is no better way to remember him other than as a really terrific man. May God protect him forever more.

Andrew S. Wysor Lieutenant Colonel, AUS (Retired)

Virtual rubbing provided by Andy Wysor

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Two photos of SSG Michael Bartholomew
from the 1969 1/22 Infantry Battalion Yearbook

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