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FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq (January 19, 2009)
- A Multi-National Division - Baghdad Paratrooper, who was
killed in eastern Baghdad, was honored for his ultimate sacrifice
during a memorial ceremony at Forward Operating Base Jan. 16.
Staff Sgt. Justin Bauer, a 24-year-old infantryman from
Loveland, Colo., was assigned to Company D, 2nd Battalion, 505th
Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne
Division. He was killed in action when an improvised-explosive
device struck his vehicle during a combat patrol Jan. 10 in the New
Baghdad district of eastern Baghdad.
He was serving on his second deployment in support of Operation
Iraqi Freedom.
"I don't know where America finds men like Staff Sgt. Bauer,"
said Capt. Darren Glenn, Bauer's commander company. "But I do know
that America is the land of the free because of the brave. I am
indebted to Justin for his service to his country. He will be truly
missed."
His fellow Paratroopers also remembered him as being a true
leader and friend.
"I will never forget Staff Sgt. Bauer, his leadership and what
he meant to us," said Sgt. 1st Class Patrick Ward, Bauer's platoon
sergeant and personal friend. "I will never forget the true friend
I loved and admired."
Bauer enlisted in the Army in October 2004 as an infantryman. He
completed his one-unit station training and Airborne school at Fort
Benning, Ga. Along with his two deployments to Iraq, Bauer
supported Hurricane Katrina relief efforts in New Orleans, La., in
September 2005.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, the Purple
Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service
Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal with bronze service star, the
Humanitarian Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer
Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the
Overseas Service Ribbon, the Combat Infantryman Badge and the
Parachute Badge.
He is survived by his wife, Kari, his mother, Connie Haddock,
and his father, Gregory Bauer.
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