Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. This is the framed war service certificate of Corporal Frank John Bartek, 80th Company, 6th Regiment (USMC), 2nd Division, American Expeditionary Forces. Bartek was gassed during the Battle of Blanc Mont after seeing every major battle with the regiment. This framed document is missing its glass but has no damage and will display very well.

The frame measures 11x19” and is missing the glass that originally covered the document. Despite this, the document is still in perfect condition, but the frame could likely use a new piece of glass. The document lists his name, enlistment and discharge dates, as well as his organizations, Parris Island, S.C., Quantico, VA., 4th Bdge. 2nd Div. A.E.F. France, Hampton Roads, VA. With an embossed Official stamp towards the bottom left. 

Frank John Bartek was born on March 30th, 1898, in Cleveland, Ohio. He first enlisted in the Marine Corps on May 19th, 1917, being assigned to Port Royal in South Carolina. Given the serial number 121562, Bartek joined the 80th Company, 6th Regiment on February 12th, 1918. According to his Ohio roster, Bartek saw combat in the Aisne, Champagne-Marne, Aisne-Marne, St. Mihiel, and Meuse-Argonne Offensives, with several Defensive Sectors.

Bartek was sent to the hospital for gas inhalation on October 5th, 1918, on the third day of the Battle of Blanc Mont. He was awarded the French Fourragere as were all men in the 6th Marine Regiment who participated in specific battles. After being gassed, he was sent to a replacement battalion on October 30th before being transferred back to his company. In July 1919, he was transferred to the Guard Company, 11th Regiment. He traveled back to the United States on July 29th, 1919, for a total of 1 year and 4 months overseas. He was discharged on August 11th, 1919.

This is a very rare piece of Marine Corps history that doesn’t show up often. Ready for further research and display.