Remembering Hopatcong Soldiers on Fourth of July

Thousands—maybe even a million—Americans have been killed in combat. So far, four Hopatcong residents have been recognized as having died while fighting for their nation.

1. U.S. Army Sgt. Michael D. Kirspel Jr.: Kirspel, 23, was killed in combat in Afghanistan in October. Hopatcong honored Kirspel during its Memorial Day parade this spring, inviting his unit to the borough and unveiling a monument in his honor at Veterans Park.
2. U.S. Army Specialist Four John Curtin III: Curtin, 22, was killed in combat in South Vietnam in 1968. Hopatcong also honored Curtin during its Memorial Day parade, inviting his sister, Jane, to watch the unveiling of a monument in his honor.
3. U.S. Army Pvt. George Bartlett: A tank division member, George Bartlett's wife gave birth to his daughter, Maryann, while he was in action. George Bartlett never met her. He enlisted in 1941 and was killed in France in June 1944. During that time, George Bartlett served under George Patton. He received a purple heart. He was burred near his brother, Louis, in Pinelawn Memorial Park in Farmingdale, N.Y.
4. U.S. Army Sgt. Louis Bartlett: An infantry member, Louis Bartlett was killed in Italy on Oct. 17, 1944. He served as a tech sergeant in Europe and was burred near his brother, George, in Pinelawn Memorial Park in Farmingdale, N.Y.
5. Tell Us: Do you know any other Hopatcong residents who were killed in action? Tell us in the comments. Email photos to brendan@patch.com.