"For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous courage as Squadron Commander
of Marine Fighting Squadron 212 in the South Pacific Area during
the period May 10 to November 14, 1942. Volunteering to pilot a fighter
plane in defense of our positions on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands,
Lieutenant Colonel Bauer participated in two air battles against enemy
bombers and fighters outnumbering our force more than two-to-one, boldly
engaged the enemy and destroyed one Japanese bomber in the engagement
of September 28 and shot down four enemy fighter planes in flames on
October 3 leaving a fifth smoking badly. After successfully leading
twenty-six planes in the over-water ferry flight of more than six
hundred miles on October 16, Lieutenant Colonel Bauer, while circling to
land, sighted a squadron of enemy planes attacking the USS 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
four of the Japanese planes were destroyed before he was forced down by
lack of fuel. His intrepid fighting spirit and distinctive ability as
leader and an airman, exemplified in his splendid record of combat
achievement, were vital in the successful operations in the South
Pacific Area."
From Lieutenant Colonel Harold W. Bauer's Medal of Honor citation.
Thank you for your service and may you be at peace,
Brian
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