MITCHELL, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) Thanks to work started by the United States Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), a soldier from South Dakota killed in France during WWII has been identified and is back in the state where he will be buried.
Corporal Bartlett was taking part in a tank battle during the D-Day Invasion when his tank was hit by enemy fire and burst into flames. His body was unidentifiable at that time, and he was buried in the Normandy American cemetery.
The remains of 22-year-old U.S. Army Corporal Robert A. Bartlett were accounted for in May (May 20, 2024) and arrived in Pierre Wednesday (July 31, 2024). Janet Bartlett from Blunt never met her Uncle Bob but says the family appreciates all involved in bringing him home. Bartlett says her uncle’s funeral will be held next weekend (Aug. 10, 2024, at 1pm CT) in Blunt (Methodist Church).
Jessica West is a funeral director for Isburg Funeral Chapels and has been working with the military and the family on Corporal Bartlett’s final arrangements. Until his funeral, Corporal Bartlett will be lying in state at the Isburg Funeral Chapel in Pierre. People are welcome to stop by and pay their respects.