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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant John William Bauer (MCSN: 305444), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Squad Leader of Company E, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 8 June 1951. During an attack against heavily fortified positions on the crest of Hill 421, Sergeant Bauer repeatedly exposed himself to devastating enemy small arms, grenade and automatic weapons fire to effectively deploy his squad. When his unit was raked by heavy fire from a cleverly camouflaged position, he unhesitatingly moved forward in an attempt to gain better observation. Mortally wounded during this courageous action, Sergeant Bauer, by his heroic leadership and daring initiative, served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Regiment:

    22d Marines (Reinforced), 1st Provisional Marine Brigade

    Action Date:

    February 22, 1944
    Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 06666 (November 17, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class John William Bauer (MCSN: 305444), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Anti-Tank Battery, Twenty-Second Marines (Reinforced), First Provisional Marine Brigade, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Parry Island, Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands, 22 February 1944. Serving as a member of a self-propelled gun crew, one Bauer assisted in unloading urgently needed ammunition and supplies and helped in carrying them inland under heavy enemy fire to front-line troops, where he acted as a rifleman until the objective was reached. Subsequently, he acted as a stretcher bearer and carried burning mortar shell cases into the water, burning his hands badly in the attempt to remove the dangerous cases. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.