World War II Honoree

Wesley C. Bartlett

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Hutchinson, Kansas

Honored By

Ed Bartlett

Relationship

Son

SERVED IN THE 738TH MEDIUM TANK BATTALION WHICH SERVED IN 3 CAMPAIGNS IN EUROPE: ARDENNES-ALSACE, RHINELAND AND CENTRAL EUROPE. THE 738TH WAS PART OF A TOP SECRET PROJECT CALLED THE 'LEAFLET PROJECT.' ALONG WITH 6 OTHER TANK BATTALIONS, THEY WERE A UNIQUE ASSAULT FORCE OF COASTAL DEFENSE LIGHT TANKS DESTINED TO FIGHT IN WESTERN AND CENTRAL EUROPE. THE 738TH PLAYED A VITAL ROLL IN THE 1ST U.S. ARMY'S CROSSING OF THE RHINE RIVER AT REMAGEN. THE 738TH WAS THE FIRST AMERICAN TANK BATTALION TO USE THE COASTAL DEFENSE LIGHT TANK, OR 'GISMOS' AS THEY WERE KNOWN BY MOST IN COMBAT.