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Rank and organization: Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps. Birth:
20 November 1908. Woodruff, Kans. Appointed from: Nebraska. Citation: For
extraordinary heroism and conspicuous courage as Squadron Commander of
Marine Fighting Squadron 212 in the South Pacific Area during the period
10 May to 14 November 1942. Volunteering to pilot a fighter plane in defense
of our positions on Guadalcanal, Lt. Col. Bauer participated in 2 air battles
against enemy bombers and fighters outnumbering our force more than 2 to
1, boldly engaged the enemy and destroyed 1 Japanese bomber in the engagement
of 28 September and shot down 4 enemy fighter planes in flames on 3 October,
leaving a fifth smoking badly. After successfully leading 26 planes on
an over-water ferry flight of more than 600 miles on 16 October, Lt. Col.
Bauer, while circling to land, sighted a squadron of enemy planes attacking
the U.S.S. McFarland. Undaunted by the formidable opposition and with valor
above and beyond the call of duty, he engaged the entire squadron and,
although alone and his fuel supply nearly exhausted, fought his plane so
brilliantly that 4 of the Japanese planes were destroyed before he was
forced down by lack of fuel. His intrepid fighting spirit and distinctive
ability as a leader and an airman, exemplified in his splendid record of
combat achievement, were vital factors in the successful operations in
the South Pacific Area.
This data was extracted from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, U.S. Senate, Medal of Honor Recipients: 1863-1973 (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1973)
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