Navy Federal Credit Union

Thomas Bartel graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1939. He retired as a U.S. Army Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Cavalry)

    Batallion:

    34th Tank Battalion

    Division:

    5th Armored Division

    Action Date:

    August 13, 1944

    Headquarters, 5th Armored Division, General Orders No. 15 (1944)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Cavalry) Thomas Bennett Bartel, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 34th Tank Battalion, 5th Armored Division, in action against the enemy in France, on 13 August 1944. Major Bartel’s battalion was in the lead at Argentan, where the American and Canadian forces sought to close the Falaise Gap. In a furious encounter with dug-in German 88’s, he was severely wounded in action while coming to the rescue of his men. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Bartel, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.