Harry F. Bauer

Who was Harry F. Bauer?

Harry Frederick Bauer was an naval officer in the United States Navy.

Born at Camp Thomas in Lytle, Georgia, Bauer, the son of a U. S. Army First Sergeant, graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1927. During career he served at shore stations, including a tour as instructor at the US Naval Academy, and an Ensign assigned to duty aboard the USS Arkansas. By 1931 Harry had been promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade and continued his service on the Arkansas. During his service on the Arkansas, he was awarded a Letter of Commendation by the Secretary of the Navy.

He subsequently served on the USS Babbitt and on the USS Elliott. In June 1934 he was reassigned to the Naval Academy for post graduate work and as an instructor. On 1 January 1935, Jackie and Harry’s only child, Emilie, was born. In 1936 he was assigned as Aide and Flag Lieutenant to the Commander Cruisers, Scouting Force and from there he went to the USS Tracy as executive officer. [Note: In 1927, the United States Naval Academy did not award academic degrees to their graduates. Instead, they were commissioned in the Armed Forces as Officers. This was changed by an Act of Congress approved on 8 July 1937 and supplemented by the Navy with Bureau of Navigation Bulletin Number 251, 28 August 1937. Officers who were graduates of the Naval Academy were allowed to apply for the award of a Bachelor of Science degree. In 1937 while assigned to the Tracy, Harry applied for his degree and it was granted In February 1939 he was assigned to the Office of the Detail Officer at the Bureau of Navigation, Department of the Navy, Washington D.C. On 1 July 1941 he was promoted to Lieutenant Commander. He remained in Washington until he assumed command of the USS Gregory on 1 January 1942.