Their Story
Remembering Daniel B. Bartle.
Daniel B. Bartle finished first at nearly everything he set his mind to. He graduated valedictorian of Ferndale High School in Washington in 2002 with a perfect 4.0, then earned his commission from the United States Naval Academy in 2006, where he studied electrical engineering and minored in Spanish. He chose the Marine Corps, and he chose to fly.
Off duty he was a snowboarder and a kite surfer, happiest traveling with music on. In uniform he became a CH-53D pilot with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363, part of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing based in Hawaii.
On January 19, 2012, Captain Bartle was piloting his helicopter in Afghanistan when it went down after a mechanical failure. He was 27. Five fellow Marines were lost with him, and they are remembered together.
For his service he was awarded two Air Medals, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and campaign medals earned across a career given fully to his country. He is survived by his parents and siblings.
We're honored to carry his name.