Bartlett graduated from the Capitol Page School in 1944, where he then temporarily ended his service within Congress to join the United States Marine Corps during World War II.

[1] He was present in the House of Representatives Chamber when Franklin D. Roosevelt gave his Day of Infamy speech in response to the Attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese.

[3] At the conclusion of Bartlett's active service within the Korean War, he was appointed as Reading Clerk of the United States House of Representatives, serving in this position from 1953, until his retirement in 1977.

[3] In 1944, Bartlett enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving throughout the end of World War II.

[3] In continuing his numerous decade career working for Congress, Bartlett helped found the Capitol Hill Club, serving as one of their inaugural officers.