Corporal Lester William Bauer

Corporal Lester William Bauer of Frankfort, Indiana, was born in Tipton, Indiana on April 23, 1930, to Merle C. and Bessie E. Bauer. He graduated from Frankfort High School. Lester was a member of East Side Christian Church in Frankfort.

Lester enlisted in the United States Army on November 9, 1948. He was assigned to I Company, 3rd Battalion, 29th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, Eighth U.S. Army Korea. Corporal Bauer was a member of Company I, 3rd Battalion, 29th Infantry Regimental Combat Team, on July 27, 1950, he was reported missing in action following a fighting withdrawal from positions near Hadong, Republic of Korea.

He was presumed dead on December 31, 1953. His sacrifice is memorialized on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.

In recognition of his service and valor, Corporal Bauer was awarded the Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, United Nations Service Medal, and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.

Cpl Bauer is survived by his sister-in-law, Julia "Judy" (Zerr) Willits of Greenfield; great-nephew, Brad (Heather) Willits; great-niece, Mallory (Wisdom) Gakpo. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert E. Willits; and nephew, Timothy X. Willits.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Park Cemetery, 621 S. State Street, Greenfield, IN 46140. Pastor David Woods will be officiating, and military honors will be rendered by active duty personnel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made by mail to the Disabled American Veterans, 860 Dolwick Drive, Erlanger, KY 41018 or Hancock County Veterans Park, P.O. Box 844, Greenfield, IN 46140. Friends may share a memory or condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com.

Arrangements are being handled by Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory in Greenfield.