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Richard Bauman Obituary
He was born in Fitchburg, Mass., on Aug. 16, 1924, the son of the late Frederick A. and Dorothy A. (Farnham) Bauman. A graduate of Fitchburg High School in 1942, he and his family have called the Washington, D.C., metro area home for more than 25 years.
Rear Admiral Bauman was a veteran of both World War II and the Vietnam War. Upon graduating from Massachusetts Maritime Academy, he entered the Merchant Marine in 1944 and served as Third Mate on the ammunition laden Liberty Ship Stephen C. Foster at the Omaha Beachhead from June through September of that year. He qualified as an unlimited master mariner (ocean) and remained a Merchant Marine officer until 1957. Taking advantage of his Merchant Marine and Naval Reserve experience and seeking a more stable life for his young family, he joined the Coast Guard and was commissioned a Lieutenant.
In 1967, he became the commanding officer of Coast Guard Division Twelve, operating out of DaNang, Vietnam. Rear Admiral Bauman took part in the coastal patrol portion of Operation Market Time and was the Inshore Division Commander when his squadron intercepted and destroyed an enemy steel-hulled trawler at Cape Mia in southern Vietnam on Feb. 29, 1968.
Throughout his career, Rear Admiral Bauman received numerous Merchant Marine and military service/campaign ribbons. His awards for exceptional service include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star with Combat “V,” two Meritorious Service Medals, a Joint Services Commendation Medal, three awards of the Coast Guard Commendation Medal with “O,” a Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V,” a Combat Action Ribbon, the Merchant Marine Combat Bar, and a Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Gold Star.
He retired as commander of the First Coast Guard District, Boston in 1983. Rear Admiral Bauman was a graduate of the National War College in Washington, D.C., and held an honorary doctorate in public administration awarded by the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. He was a 52-year Mason and a member of the Boston Marine Society.
He is survived by a daughter, Elizabeth K. Simpson of Longwood, Fla; three sons, Richard A. Bauman Jr., of Pikesville, Md., Robert A. Bauman of Arlington, Va., and William L. Bauman of Falls Church, Va.; three grandchildren, Joshua B. Simpson, Andrew O. Simpson, and Liam F. Bauman; two brothers, Frederick A. Bauman Jr. of Westboro, Mass., and George A. “Tim” Bauman of Ashby, Mass.; and a sister, Dorothy A. Gallagher of Lexington, Mass.. Rear Admiral Bauman’s wife, Dorothy “Dottie” H. (Schmaltz) Bauman, preceded him in death in 1998.
Rear Admiral Bauman was a noted lighthouse expert and historian who had climbed 680 of the 740 lighthouses in the United States. The high point of his lighthouse climbing activities occurred in 1994 when he participated in the relighting of the U.S.-operated lighthouse on Navassa Island off the west coast of Haiti.
BAUMAN -- On Feb. 15, Veteran Coast Guard Officer Rear Admiral Richard A. Bauman, USCG (retired). Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 27, at 9 a.m. at Fort Meyer Chapel with interment to follow at Arlington National Cemetery with Full Military Honors. Memorial contributions may be made to Project Liberty Ship, P.O. Box 25846, Highlandtown Station, Baltimore, MD 21224-0546.
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Bauman
Vernon Eschenburg
February 14, 2021
Fully enjoyed our tour together on the CGC Ingham WHEC 35. Being his EO was truly a pleasure. Anna passed 12/14/2007 and may they both continue to rest in peace. Vernon O. Eschenburg CAPT (Ret)
Peter Rots
May 5, 2005
My deepest sympathies to the Bauman Family.
I too will miss the Admiral. He was a good and loyal friend. A person who loved the Coast Guard only second to that of his beloved wife and his family.
I admired him for the way he lived his military career. He played by the rules and I can tell you he knew them all.
He was a consumate seaman. He loved the water, he loved ships and he earned and deserved the right to be called an "Old Salt".
I think I knew him as well as anyone. We were together for 12 hours a day for the better part of three years. He was the first Chief of the new Office of Navigation and I was his deputy. It was a strange marriage for he knew every step of every lighthouse in the US and as an aviator I just viewed them as obstructions. But he was patient and taught me a great deal.
Everyone who knew him knew he loved to tell stories and I heard them all, once, twice and more. But I never tired listening as he fasinated me by always telling them using the same words, the same meter, the same inflectionns with no embellishments. I believe this was a mark of the man. He lived his life with no embellishment. Plain, simple and straigtforward.
He also had a rich sense of humor. We were in a car pool together. He called it a car pool, it was just the two of us and I drove all the time. Something that started out as a favor and turned into an expectation. I didn't mind, I had to get to work and the company was good. But it would aggravate him while driving down Shirley Highway, drivers, wearing the uniform of lesser rank, would often cut us off delaying our transit time.
One day, whlle sitting in his driveway, he came out of the house carrying his raincoat. It wasn't going to rain that day and I was curious. I watched him as he got in the car and meticulously folded the raincoat so that the lapels were end to end. He then placed it against the window and put his shoulder to it so from the outside one saw four, bright and shinny silver stars. It cut our drive time by ten minutes!
I have read that indivuals of large presence are prone to fantasies. The Admiral had one--he thought he was Steve Canyon, the comic strip character, who about every three weeks, by his strength of characher , high morality and ethical values rid the world of some terrible evil. I guess as fantasies go that was not a bad one to have. I just wonder what Issy is going to do with all those albums.
Again, I must say I will miss the Admiral, I hope there are oceans in Heaven and I pray that he says hello to Dottie for Judy and I when he gets there.
Peter J. Rots, RADM, USCG (rtd)
Capt. Vernon Eschenburg USCG (Ret)
March 16, 2005
Anna and I extend our deepest sympathies to the entire Bauman family. I was lucky enough to serve with Admiral Bauman as his Engineering Officer on board the CGC INGHAM (WHEC 35). His first statement to me was: It is about time I got an engineer and his next statement was: We will only refuel once for our next Ocean Station Bravo, “which the INGHAM has never done”. With this, he tested everyone of our engineering skills and it was also one of our most rememberable duty assignments. And Yes, we did complete the ocean station as requested. He was truly a ship’s “Captain”.
Anna & I was blessed enough to visit with him last summer and he took us to his favorite Pub for lunch. Oh yes, we did exchange sea stories. And we also talked a lot about Dottie. He really loved & missed her.
I also look forward to once again serve with him when I “cross the bar” and meet my “Captain” face to face.
Lisa Kates
March 1, 2005
I was 19 years old when I met Admiral Bauman and Mrs. Bauman (dare I say, I'm now 44!). I am the secretary for the American Pilots' Association and had many occasions to chat with the Bauman's during APA Conventions and Christmas parties. I'll always remember their wonderful stories, including such tales as the racoon that broke into their house, the day Dottie's coat caught on fire, and of course lighthouse stories. Admiral Bauman always kept me on my toes, trying to transcribe his APA speeches with his Boston accent. He taught me the difference between "dock" green and dark green buoys and if anyone ever calls me "Liser" again, I'll surely think of him. I have thought of him often over the years. My prayers go to his family and may he rest in peace.
Fred Mieser
February 26, 2005
My deepest sympathy to the Bauman family.
Mary Ellen Colella
February 25, 2005
I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to the entire Bauman family as they mourn the loss of their father, grandfather, and brother. He was a dear man who will be sorely missed; but, his passing will reunite him with his beloved Dottie for eternity. This realization brings me great comfort.
I knew him as Admiral Bauman, as I was his military aide from 1983 until his retirement in 1985. It was my distinct honor and privilege to serve Admiral and Mrs. B at the Hospital Point Lighthouse and throughout the First Coast Guard District. The Admiral was a wonderful mentor to me and my husband during our Coast Guard careers.
I shall miss seeing Admiral B. and Issy during their annual stop-over enroute the Ashby, MA family reunion site. My children will also cherish the 'postman coming to visit' among other stories.
Admiral Bauman's life was 'a life well lived'. He made each person he came into contact with a better person as well as left each place he visited better than he found it. I can attest to this in that I had the privilege of carrying the windex, brasso, and polishing rags to each and every lighthouse we inspected. All were left watching properly and shining brightly. I know I beamed at having Admiral B as my beacon of light.
With deep admiration and respect,
Mary Ellen (McCaffrey) Colella, CAPT, USCGR
Bill Todd
February 24, 2005
I extend my condolences to the Bauman family. I hope that time and memories will help lessen the burden of your sorrow, and that you may draw some measure of comfort knowing that others care and share in your loss. Should there be anything I can do to alleviate your grief and pain, please call anytime.
Stanley & Susan Norman
February 23, 2005
Admiral Bauman and Dot became close friends and mentors to us when we were stationed together in Cleveland in the late 70's. Our paths crossed several times after that, always with a happy result. Dick was a sailor's sailor, always looking out for the crew. His smile and enthusiasm always brought joy as he and Dot attempted to visit the lantern room of every lighthouse they could get to! They will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bauman and Coast Guard families.
Pastor Stan and Sue Norman, CDR USCG Retired
LINDA PERKINS
February 23, 2005
To the Bauman Family:
I worked with ADM Bauman while assigned to the Ninth District Cleveland office and enjoyed working under his leadership. My prayers are with the family and friends.
Sue Linville
February 23, 2005
To the Bauman Family:
I was Admiral Bauman's secretary when he was Chief, Operations Divison for the Ninth Coast Guard District in Cleveland, OH. He was such a wonderful person--always telling stories ("and to make a long story short") was his trade mark...his stories were never short and never boring! I could have listened to them all day.
I remember I caught him yawning once and he said, "I should go to bed earlier at night but Benny Hill keeps me up". It took me a while to figure out who Benny Hill was.
I don't think I've seen anyone that loved lighthouses so much. I remember him returning to the Ninth to visit a lighthouse he had not visited while he was here (imagine that!) and he stopped by the office to say hello.
I'm also sorry to hear Dottie has passed as well. I still have an afghan she made for me when I was pregnant with my daughter, who is now 25 years old.
I'm glad to share my memories and hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed knowing Admiral B and Dottie.
They were wonderful people and I'll miss them. May God comfort you in your loss.
William R. Jones, CWO4, USCG-RET
February 23, 2005
My sincere condolences to the Bauman family on the passing of the Admiral. I had the extreme honor to call him Captain as my commanding Officer on CGC INGHAM (WHEC 35). He was the epitome of a sea officer, a gentleman and a master mariner. He held dear the traditions of the sea, of command of sailors and of duty to country, service and crew. He was the standard upon which we judged the commanding officers of other cutters and few, if any, could equal him. He was steadfast in his standards of conduct, professionalism and attention to duty from the wardroom, the chief's mess and the leading petty officers and we loved him for it. At the same time he displayed true compassion and genuine care for his crew. To a man we were proud of our cutter, the reputation we achieved under him and to have him as our Commanding Officer. I look forward to once again serve with him when I also will "cross the bar to meet my Pilot face to face".
Brenda Wolter
February 22, 2005
My deepest sympathy to the Bauman family. I briefly knew Adm Bauman when he was D1 Commander and lived in Beverly, MA. I lived in Beverly and he became my sponsor when I received an appointment to the CG Academy. His enthusiasm about the service helped make decision to attend and easy one. He went above & beyond his duty as sponsor by coming to my house and inviting me to special CG events. I will always think kindly of Adm Bauman. My prayers go out to the entire Bauman family.
Bob Bloom
February 22, 2005
My most sincere condolences and sympathies are extended to the Bauman family. When he was Chief, Operations Division, Ninth Coast Guard District, he was a very informative and entertaining supervisor. I looked forward to his daily visit to my office "to make a long story short" and then depart after a minimum of thirty minutes, during which time he was able to pass on to me and my staff his past life's experiences. His stories of experiences in the Merchant Marine during World War II were enlightening and his talent in relating those experiences was such that one felt like he also lived during those times. Because of his passing the highlights of his life to the younger generations, he always will be remembered and carried in our hearts and minds.
Larry Telfer
February 21, 2005
A leader who exuded confidence, compassion, and resolve.
William Ecker
February 21, 2005
Admiral Bauman told the best 'sea stories' in a manner that diminished his own role in them, giving credit to others when we all knew he was the one to whom the credit should have been given. It was one of his most endearing qualities.
Bill Ecker
RADM USCG (Ret)
James Donahue
February 21, 2005
My condolences to the Bauman family on the death of Rear Admiral Bauman. I never served for him but knew him by reputation as a fine officer, gentleman, and expert on lighthouses. We both hail from the great state of Massachusetts so I could understand him well (if you know what I mean). Oftentimes following my workout at the USMC Gym, Henderson Hall, I would walk in Arlington Cemetery. I would often see Rear Adm. Bauman tending to the beautiful grave of his beloved wife, Dorothy. The few times I had a chance to talk to him I could tell how much he loved and missed her. They are now together. Love lasts forever. James H. Donahue, Captain, USCG, Ret.
MCPOCG Vince Patton
February 20, 2005
My sincere condolences to the Bauman family on the passing of a great Coastguardsman, superlative leader, and dear friend, RADM Richard Bauman. He was indeed a kind hearted man, who was always willing to help anyone in need. I remember our days together in Cleveland, where he served prior to his promotion to flag rank - I was always impressed with his interest in seeing that the crew was taken care of and their needs met as they carried out their missions. As a district commander in the First Coast Guard District, Boston, MA, Admiral Bauman continued his calm and self-assuring demeanor to those who served under him. He will be missed. I thank God to have met and known him.
Sincerely,
Vince Patton
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, Retired
80th birthday celebration - lighthouse cake- Ashby July '04
Tim and Sally Bauman
February 20, 2005
From a nineteen-year-old to an eighty-year-old Dick served his country with pride and cherished his family. He has taken that last trip to be with his precious "Dottie." Let's hope he has the windex for all the Fresnel lenses in the stellar lights. We'll be listening for the "Bauman yell." With good memories and love -
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