Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Murray
Simpson
Bartlett
March 29, 1871

–

November 13, 1949

Cemetery:

Cremated

Murray Bartlett earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts from Harvard University, and received a degree in theology from the General Theology Seminary in New York City, and a Doctor of Divinity degree from the University of Rochester. An Episcopalian minister, he subsequently moved to the Philippine Islands. He first served as the dean of the American Cathedral of Saint Mary and Saint John in Manila, and later became a member of the University of the Philippines Board of Regents (1909-1911) which then elected him as the universityÕs first president, serving from 1911 to 1915. In 1917 he wanted to serve as a U.S. Army chaplain for American soldiers going to war, but at age 46, was denied a commission. He finally went to France as Overseas Secretary of the Y.M.C.A., and was appointed, as a civilian, as Acting Chaplain of the 18th Infantry. His application to become an Army Chaplain was approved in November 1918, but the war ended before it became official. After the war, he was appointed president of Hobart and William Smith Colleges. The Bartlett Hall in the University of the Philippines was named after him.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Civilian

    Rank:

    Secretary (Acting Chaplain)

    Regiment:

    18th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    May 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 15 (1923)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Acting Chaplain Murray Bartlett, Secretary, Y.M.C.A., a United States Civilian, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving as acting assistant chaplain in Villers-Tournelle, France, May 1918 and in the Chazelle Ravine, south of Soissons, France, 22 July 1918. Voluntarily assuming the duties of Chaplain, 18th Infantry, Mr. Murray displayed conspicuous bravery in caring for the wounded and burying the dead of his regiment under intense enemy fire, working constantly with the advanced elements of the command until 22 July 1918, when he was seriously wounded while in close proximity to the front line. His cheerful, heroic energy and indifference to personal danger exerted a profound effect upon the morale of the men of his regiment and inspired them to many deeds of gallantry and supreme devotion to duty.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Civilian

    Rank:

    Secretary (Acting Chaplain)

    Regiment:

    18th Infantry

    Division:

    1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 20, 1918
    GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 2 (June 3, 1919)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Acting Chaplain Murray Simpson Bartlett, Secretary, Y.M.C.A., a United States Civilian, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Chaplain Bartlett distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 18th Infantry, 1st Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Soissons, France, 20 July 1918, in caring for the wounded under heavy enemy bombardment.