*BAUER, HAROLD WILLIAM
Rank and organization: Lieutenant Colonel,
U.S. Marine Corps. Born: 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.
