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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Jay G. Bauer, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. Captain Bauer distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as a forward air observer in Phu Yen Province. Vinh Hoa Hamlet was attacked by a battalion of enemy personnel. Upon receiving information of the attack, Captain Bauer immediately flew to the location and found a large enemy force attacking the hamlet. Captain Bauer, observing that the enemy was inflicting heavy damage on friendly troops, immediately took his aircraft on an assault run. Using his rockets, he destroyed the hostile positions and inflicted heavy losses on the attacking enemy, thereby relieving the immediate pressure on the friendly forces. Returning to his position aloft, Captain Bauer adjusted his artillery on the enemy forces and, between artillery strikes, he used his remaining rockets to break up attacking enemy formation. When gunships arrived on the location, Captain Bauer immediately shifted the artillery and directed the employment of the gunships against the enemy forces. When naval gunboats arrived on the scene, Captain Bauer showed his versatility, keen judgment, and professional proficiency by employing the Naval forces in a blocking position to prevent the enemy escape. When a ground reaction force was ready for insertion, Captain Bauer picked out the landing zone and controlled the insertion of two Allied Companies. Since most of the action took place in a built up hamlet, Captain Bauer became the eyes of the ground commander. As a result of Captain Bauer’s courageous action and exceptional professional skill, the ground forces were able to overcome a determined and tenacious enemy force. Captain Bauer’s heroic actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War
    Citation Courtesy of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society – www.dfcsociety.org

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Jay G. Bauer, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: First Lieutenant Bauer distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as pilot of a reconnaissance airplane performing in the role of radio relay for friendly ground units operating in Phu Yen Province. When he was informed of one of the six-man teams on the ground that they had made contact with an estimated enemy company and were being pinned down by heavy enemy fire, he quickly requested helicopter gunships and maneuvered his aircraft over the team so as to pinpoint the advancing enemy soldiers. This maneuver caused his tiny aircraft to come under intense automatic weapons fire. When the helicopter gunships arrived at the contact location, Lieutenant Bauer made an immediate dive on the enemy’s position and marked it with a smoke grenade. Despite continuous heavy automatic weapons fire, he made repeated marking runs on the enemy location, which permitted the gunships to place immediate and accurate fire on the enemy positions. Through Lieutenant Bauer’s complete disregard for his personal safety and professionalism, the ranger team was able to escape and be extracted with minimum casualties. His outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.