PVT Walter D. Bartrope
Today we honor and remember PVT Walter D. Bartrope of the 101st Airborne Division
Private (PVT) Walter Donald Bartrope of HQ Company, 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, was born in Sacramento, Sacramento County, California, to Walter F. and Pauline (Vanderpool) Bartrope on February 1, 1923.
He had two half-brothers and one half-sister from his father’s first marriage, Charles A., James W., and Grace E. Bartrope, as well as one sister from his father’s second marriage, Violet Bartrope.
His father passed away at age 57 on July 3, 1937.
Walter Bartrope signed up for the draft in his hometown Sacramento on December 20, 1942. He joined the California National Guard and was discharged after three months. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army at his hometown on January 30, 1943, and volunteered to become a paratrooper.
PVT Bartrope joined Baker Company, 501st PIR, from the 17th Replacement Depot on June 22, 1944. He would jump with the Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, into the Netherlands on September 17, 1944.
The companies of 1st Battalion were fighting the Germans in the vicinity of Driel on October 5, 1944. PVT Bartrope died under unknown circumstances during the combat actions of that day.
Another Screaming Eagle had soared to the ultimate height. 🦅
PVT Walter Bartrope died at the age of 21. He was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart Medal.
After his initial burial in the temporary Military Cemetery Molenhoek in the Netherlands, he was reburied at the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial, Margraten, at Plot M, Row 14, Grave 8. May he rest in peace.
Happy Birthday in Heaven, Walter.
Lest we forget! 🇺🇸
The sources used for this article are known to the author and available on request.
First of all Walter,happy heavenly birthday Trooper!
And second,thank You for your service,your not forgotten 🫡🇺🇸🫡
https://www.fieldsofhonor-database.com/index.php/en/american-war-cemetery-margraten-b/50028-bartrope-walter-d