Harold W. Bauer
| Harold William Bauer | |
|---|---|
 
Harold W. Bauer, Medal of Honor recipient
|
|
| Nickname(s) | Indian Joe, Coach |
| Born |
November 20, 1908 Woodruff, Kansas |
| Died | November 14, 1942 (aged 33) KIA at Guadalcanal |
| Buried at | lost at sea |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1930–1942 |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Commands held | Marine Fighter Squadron 212 |
| Battles/wars |
World War II *Battle of Guadalcanal |
| Awards |
Medal of Honor (1942) Purple Heart |
Lieutenant Colonel Harold William Bauer, commonly referred to as "Joe" Bauer, (November 20, 1908 – November 14, 1942) was a United States Marine Corps air group commander and fighter pilot 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 Solomons at the Battle of Guadalcanal.
Harold William Bauer was born in Woodruff, Kansas on November 20, 1908 and grew up in North Platte, Nebraska. He was the son of Volga German immigrants and had two brothers and two sisters. In high school, he played football, track and baseball.
He entered the Naval Academy in 1926 and was appointed a Marine second lieutenant upon graduation in 1930. Bauer's two younger brothers also followed him into the Academy. Following his commissioning, Bauer attended the Officers Basic School at Quantico, Virginia. He was then assigned as a company officer with the 1st Battalion, 6th Marines at Quantico.
In 1932, he became assistant basketball and lacrosse coach at the Naval Academy and an instructor in marksmanship, until his assignment to the San Diego Naval Base, where he was the Assistant Range Officer. He was promoted to first lieutenant on May 29, 1934.
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