TFH 10/16: Lt. Col. Harold William Bauer, USMC

Not a member of the Air Force or predecessors, but still, a story of heroism worth our Nation's highest honor:

*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.

Lt. Col. Bauer's heroism on October 16, 1942 is just part of his story. His Medal of Honor citation leaves out the details of his final sacrifice and why his award is posthumous. On November 14, 1942 he was forced to ditch his plane 100 miles from Guadalcanal after destroying two Japanese aircraft during action. He was seen in the water alive. He was searched for, but sadly, this brave American warrior was lost at sea.

October 16 was his finest hour among all his finest hours from May 10-November 14, 1942. Harold William Bauer, thank you for your service and sacrifice.