Oral history of Beau Bauer
Clemson University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives A video recording of an in-person interview conducted by Daniel Mack with Staff Sergeant Beau Bauer on June 6, 2012, in Clemson, SC. Born on June 13, 1980, Bauer served in the United States Marine Corps. Motivated by the events of 9/11 and the growing conflict in Iraq, he enlisted in 2003 and trained as an infantry assaultman, specializing in demolitions, rockets, and anti-armor warfare.
Bauer reflects on his first deployment to Iraq in 2005, serving in Ramadi during some of the heaviest fighting of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He describes the intensity of urban combat and the cycles of patrols. His second deployment took him across the Pacific with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducting amphibious training and international military exercises before returning to Iraq for a final tour in 2007. This time, he operated out of Al-Asad Air Base, serving along Iraq's western borders, conducting long-range reconnaissance and interdiction missions. He presents pictures of his time serving and reflects on the transition back to civilian life and the bonds he formed with fellow Marines.