VETERANS MEMORIAL

When World War I broke out, Bartlesville, like many other American towns, saw a significant number of its young men enlist or get drafted into the armed forces. Bartians served across various units, with many joining the U.S. Army’s infantry divisions that fought on the Western Front. They experienced the brutal trench warfare that defined much of the conflict, enduring conditions such as mud, cold, and constant bombardment. Some joined specialized units like the American Expeditionary Forces’ 369th Infantry Regiment, known for their bravery in battle. Others served as pilots in the nascent Army Air Service, flying reconnaissance and combat missions over enemy lines.

Back in Bartlesville, citizens threw their full support behind the war effort. Local industries retooled to produce supplies necessary for the military, including uniforms, munitions, and other critical materials. Bartlesville’s oil industry also played a role, providing the fuel that powered the Allied war machine. The community engaged in war bond drives to finance the war, raising substantial sums. Citizens also contributed to Liberty Loan drives and rationed their food through Meatless Mondays and Wheatless Wednesdays to ensure the military had enough supplies.

Women in Bartlesville stepped up in new ways during the war. Many took jobs in industries to replace men who had left for war, working in manufacturing plants, offices, and on farms. The Red Cross organized local women to knit socks and scarves for soldiers, prepare medical kits, and send care packages. They also volunteered as nurses, some of whom served abroad in field hospitals near the front lines.

LAND OF THE FREE, BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE– By Debbie Neece, Bartlesville Area History Museum

World War II saw even more Bartians joining the military compared to World War I. They served in every branch of the armed forces and were present in all major theaters of the war. Bartlesville soldiers stormed the beaches on D-Day, fought in the Battle of the Bulge, and helped secure victory in Europe. In the Pacific, they engaged in fierce island-hopping campaigns, battling Japanese forces in places like Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Some Bartlesville pilots flew missions over Germany and Japan, while others served in logistical roles, ensuring troops had the supplies they needed.

Bartlesville’s economy transformed during the war, with local industries contributing directly to the war effort. Phillips Petroleum Company, headquartered in Bartlesville, produced aviation fuel and other petroleum products essential to the military. The town’s manufacturing plants produced parts for airplanes and vehicles. Women again stepped into traditionally male roles in factories and offices. The town organized drives to collect scrap metal, rubber, and other materials for reuse in military production. Rationing was strictly followed, and victory gardens became popular as citizens grew their own food to supplement limited supplies.

The community was deeply involved in supporting the troops. War bond rallies were common, with Bartians buying bonds to support the war effort. Schools and civic organizations organized letter-writing campaigns to boost troop morale. Families hung service flags in their windows, each star representing a family member in the military. The Red Cross was highly active, providing training for volunteers and organizing blood drives and care package distributions.

All is Fair in Lies and World War II – By Debbie Neece, Bartlesville Area History Museum

Bartlesville once again saw its citizens answer the call during the Korean War. Many young men served in Army units like the 2nd Infantry Division, which was heavily involved in battles like the Battle of the Pusan Perimeter and the breakout from the Chosin Reservoir. Others served in the Marine Corps, participating in amphibious landings and fighting in brutal winter conditions. The war was characterized by intense cold, mountainous terrain, and the constant threat of attack from the North Korean and Chinese armies.

Although the Korean War was shorter than World War II, it still impacted Bartlesville significantly. The oil industry, an essential part of the town’s economy, continued to produce fuel needed for the military. While the town did not see the same level of economic mobilization as in World War II, local businesses still felt the effects of shifting government contracts and the general slowdown in consumer spending.

The Forgotten History of the Forgotten War Korean War’s Home Front Service on Radar Hill – By Debbie Neece, Bartlesville Area History Museum

The Vietnam War spanned two decades and deeply affected Bartlesville. Many locals were drafted or enlisted, serving in various roles from infantry to aviation. They fought in dense jungles, faced guerrilla warfare tactics, and participated in major operations like Operation Rolling Thunder and the Tet Offensive. The war’s challenges left many soldiers with physical and emotional scars.

Back home, the war sparked debate and division. Some Bartians supported the war, holding rallies and advocating for victory in Vietnam. Others joined the national anti-war movement, protesting the conflict and the draft. Bartlesville faced the complex task of navigating these differing opinions while still supporting its troops abroad.

The return of veterans from Vietnam was a challenging time. Unlike previous conflicts, many returning soldiers faced a mixed reception due to the controversy surrounding the war. Bartlesville’s community worked to support veterans through local VFW posts and civic organizations. However, the challenges of reintegration highlighted the need for better support systems for returning soldiers, both locally and nationally.

In each conflict, Bartlesville’s citizens showcased resilience and a commitment to service, whether on the battlefield or the home front. The town’s history is deeply intertwined with these global events, reflecting the impact of war on small-town America.

A Moment of Pause…Our Vietnam Fallen…Never Coming Home  – By Debbie Neece, Bartlesville Area History Museum

The Gulf War, also known as Operation Desert Storm, was a pivotal moment in early 1990s American military history. Bartlesville citizens, continuing their tradition of military service, were involved in various capacities during the conflict. Many served in the U.S. military, participating in the rapid buildup and deployment known as Operation Desert Shield and the subsequent combat operations in Desert Storm.

Bartians enlisted in different branches of the military, from the Army and Navy to the Air Force and Marine Corps. They were stationed in the Persian Gulf region, serving in various support roles and frontline operations. The war’s swift execution, marked by intense air and ground campaigns, highlighted the technological advancements in modern warfare. Some Bartlesville servicemembers served as part of aviation units that carried out critical airstrikes, while others provided logistical support to ensure troops had the supplies they needed for the campaign.

Back in Bartlesville, families and the community rallied behind the troops. Support came in many forms, from sending care packages to troops overseas to organizing fundraisers and support networks for military families. The local VFW and American Legion chapters provided resources and morale support, reinforcing the city’s long-standing tradition of patriotism and community involvement in military matters.