Harold W. Bauer

Harold W. Bauer
Lieutenant Harold W. Bauer in the early 1930s
Birth nameHarold William Bauer
Nickname(s)"Indian Joe", "Coach"
Born(1908-11-20)November 20, 1908
Woodruff, Kansas, United States
DiedNovember 14, 1942(1942-11-14) (aged 33)
Near Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands
Buried
remains not recovered. Memorialized on the Walls of the Missing, Manila American Cemetery
AllegianceUnited States of America
Service / branch United States Marine Corps
Years of service1926–1942
Rank Lieutenant colonel
CommandsMarine Fighter Squadron 212
Battles / warsWorld War II
Awards Medal of Honor
Purple Heart

Harold William "Joe" Bauer (November 20, 1908 – November 14, 1942) was a United States Marine Corps air group commander, fighter pilot and flying ace credited with destroying 11 Japanese aircraft during World War II. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions as a fighter squadron commander during the crucial struggle for the control of the Solomon Islands at the Battle of Guadalcanal.[1]

  1. ^ Who's Who in Marine Corps History