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 Commander Edward Clark Bauer (NSN: 0-542834/1310), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a pilot of jet aircraft attached to Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED NINETY-SIX (VA-196), embarked in U.S.S. CONSTELLATION (CVA-64), on 10 June 1967. Commander Bauer was the element leader for a division of A-6A aircraft and also the pathfinder pilot for 42 strike group aircraft from Air Wing FOURTEEN and Air Wing TWENTY-ONE making a coordinated strike against targets in the heavily defended Hanoi Area. He thoroughly and skillfully planned a route to and from the target which minimized exposure to known anti-aircraft guns and surface-to-air missile sites until in the immediate target area. Demonstrating exceptional competence and leadership, Commander Bauer then led the entire strike force through rugged mountainous terrain to the target area. Despite encountering a formidable barrage of intense, accurate, ant-aircraft fire and guided surface-to-air missiles approximately ten miles from the target, Commander Bauer courageously and calmly continued to lead his strike element to the target. Although at least ten missiles were observed to be tracking the planes in his division during the final ten miles of the attack run-in, Commander Bauer skillfully and flawlessly led his division through the proper evasive maneuvers to reach the roll-in point for a dive bombing attack. He then succeeded in making a highly successful and extremely destructive attack on his assigned aim-point. Following the attack, Commander Bauer resumed his pathfinder responsibilities and led the safe retirement of all Air Wing FOURTEEN aircraft from the target area. Commander Bauer’s extraordinary leadership and professional competence in the face of great personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Edward Clark Bauer (NSN: 0-542834/1310), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a pilot of jet aircraft attached to Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED NINETY-SIX (VA-196), embarked in U.S.S. CONSTELLATION (CVA-64), on 4 October 1967. Commander Bauer, was pathfinder pilot and alternate strike leader, displayed the highest degree of skill and professionalism in the planning and execution of a coordinated air wing strike against the heavily defended Haiphong shipyard repair facility west of Haiphong, North Vietnam. Commander Bauer expertly led the strike force toward the pre-determined coast-in point. When it became evident that it would be impossible to execute the attack as planned due to unfavorable weather, Commander Bauer expeditiously implemented a course change for an alternate route and proceeded to lead the strike group to the target by this new route. Since the target was still partially obscured by bad weather, Commander Bauer utilized his weapons system navigation steering information to determine the optimum roll-in point. Commander Bauer quickly identified the target visually and, in the face of intense and accurate ground fire, steadily tracked his aim-point during the dive and achieved a highly successful bombing attack which resulted in major damage to the main complex of repair and support buildings within the target confines. Commander Bauer’s outstanding judgment, superb airmanship and professional competence were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.