Info Sheet/Obituary - Ernest Paul Bartnik
Died 27 Mar 1970
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Sgt Ernest Paul Bartnik (was a PFC with the Centaurs)
Birth 24 Nov 1947
Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon, USA
Death 27 Mar 1970 (aged 22)
Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon, USA
Burial : River View Cemetery Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon, USA
Ernest P. Bartnik - Ernest served in A Troop as the driver on A6 from Jul 67 to Jul 68. He extended and transfered to D Trp. Where he was a Door Gunner on OH-23G Scout Aircraft. He passed away on Mar 27, 1970. He was residing in the Portland, Oregon area. You can view his obituary at Riverview Cemetery, Portland, OR
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/94242107/ernest-paul-bartnik
From the Oregonian, 11 Aug. 1968:
Portland Sergeant Wins Decorations in Vietnam.
A 20-year-old 1965 graduate of Wilson High School has been decorated by the Army for meritorious service in Vietnam.
Sgt. Ernest P. Bartnik, son of Mr. and Mrs. Earl J. Bartnik, 6737 SW 45th Ave., has been awarded the Bronze Star medal, the Purple Heart medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and first through fifth oak leaf clusters to be added to an earlier air medal.
Bartnik, who enlisted in the Army in December, 1966, served as a 25th Infantry Division helicopter door gunner. He received shrapnel wounds in the back when his aircraft was shot down Feb. 21 during the Tet Offensive. The Bronze Star was awarded for heroism displayed in ground combat following destruction of the helicopter.
The oak leaf clusters for the Air Medal were awarded for additional achievement in aerial support of counterinsurgency operations, and the Army Commendation Medal for sustained meritorious service between July 1967 and July 1968.
Bartnik, on a 45-day furlough in Portland, will report to Fort Carson, Colo., where he will train Vietnam-bound troops.
He is a former junior dealer for the Oregonian.