Bauer, Joseph A.

Joseph A. Bauer

Cincinnati, Ohio

Feather Location: Row Q, #18

By Laura Baverman and Theresa Herron / Cincinnati Enquirer

Bauer was home-schooled for much of his childhood but attended Clermont Northeastern High School for a brief period. He took classes at the University of Cincinnati but did not complete a degree.

Before his enlistment, he ran a press at U.S. Playing Card in Norwood.

Family members called Bauer reserved and quiet, focused and determined, but with a big heart.

“He’d go out on a limb for any of his family members,” said his brother Eric Bauer, 36, of Owensville. “And he’d make you laugh in a heartbeat.”

Another former member of St. Louis Church, Marine Lance Cpl. Nick Erdy, was killed in Iraq in 2005 at age 21. Erdy, son of William and Jane Erdy of Lynchburg, Ohio, was a 2002 graduate of McNicholas High School.

“It’s a good and honorable thing to be a soldier and serve your country,” said the Rev. Jerry Hiland, pastor at St. Louis.

Carver: Bill Wright with the East Fork Carvers near Cincinnati Ohio

Wood: Cedar with lettering engraved