Obituary of Col. Donald L Bauer

Donald L. Bauer, Lt. Col. USAF (Retired), 86, of Baylis Street, Duluth, Minn., passed away Monday, Sept. 28, 2015. Don was born Dec. 20, 1928. Originally from Ritzville, Wash., he participated in high school athletics, the school band, and Boy Scouts, becoming Ritzville's first Eagle Scout. After graduating from high school in 1947, he attended Washington State College and was a member of the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity. Don joined the Air Force in 1949, entering as an Aviation Cadet and graduating as a jet fighter pilot in 1950. During his 29-year Air Force career, he flew combat in both Korea and Vietnam. He also had overseas assignments in Alaska, Labrador and Taiwan. A Command Pilot with over 5,000 hours flying time, mostly in fighter aircraft, Don was also presented honorary Wings from the Republic of Vietnam Air Force, and the Republic of China Air Force for his service in those countries. His awards and decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, seven Air Medals, Joint Service Commendation Medal, two Air Force Commendation Medals, and 14 other medals and decorations. He was assigned to the Duluth International Airport in 1973, becoming the director of logistics for the 23rd Air Division, and retired from the Air Force in 1978, remaining in Duluth for his retirement. Don was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Doris Bauer, and by son David. He is survived by his wife Joann (Dembick) Bauer; son Donald (Lisa) of Olympia, Wash., and daughter Lisa Bardugone, Tampa, Fla.; four stepchildren, Robert (Jami) Carson, Shakopee, Minn., William (Karen) Carson, Crystal, Minn., Jody (John) Schroepfer, Eden Prairie, Minn., and David (Lucie) Carson, Denver, Colo.; and 19 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Burial with full military honors at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. At Don's request, no services will be held.