Louis H. Bauer

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Louis H. Bauer (0-74997), Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Commanding Officer of FIGHTING SQUADRON SIX (VF-6), embarked from the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), during the Solomon Islands campaign of August 1942. Lieutenant Bauer led his squadron in strafing shore objectives and in aerial combat against enemy aircraft with such boldness, determination, and skill that he and his squadron shot down a total of 41 enemy aircraft. His keen judgment in selecting his flight leaders and his personal courage and tenacity in the face of enemy aircraft opposition were superlative and in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.

Commander In Chief, Pacific Fleet: Serial 3954 (October 30, 1942)