World War II Honoree

John Francis Bartscherer

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Queens, New York

Honored By

John Francis Bartscherer III

Relationship

Grandson

SERVED IN THE AMERICAN THEATER IN THE NEW YORK STATE GUARD WITH THE HEADQUARTERS DETACHMENT, 3RD BATTALION, 5TH INFANTRY. SERVED FROM 12/7/42 TO 12/6/44. 3/18/45 TO 3/22/46 OPERATED UNDER ORDERS OF TOP SECRECY ASSIGNED TO SECURITY DETACHMENT FOR THE KELLEX CORPORATION THAT OCCUPIED 9 FLOORS IN 2 BUILDINGS ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF BROADWAY, THE WOOLWORTH BUILDING AT 233 AND THE TRANSPORTATION BUILDING AT 225. SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL TEAMS WORKED AROUND THE CLOCK ENGAGED IN THE RACE TO SOLVE THE ATOMIC SMASHING RIDDLE BEFORE GERMANY. THIS INVOLVED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR ISOTOPE SEPARATION OF U-235 ONE OF THE MAJOR MATERIALS USED IN THE ATOMIC BOMB. THIS CONTRIBUTED TO THE SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION OF WWII, AUGUST 6, 1945. RECEIVED A LETTER OF THANKS FROM COLONEL K. D. NICHOLS WHO WORKED UNDER GENERAL GROVES ARMY SERVICE FORCES MANHATTAN DISTRICT.