World War II Honoree

James H. Bauch

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Hamlin, New York

Honored By

Mr. David V. Bauch

Relationship

Son

SERVED AS A FIRE CONTROLMAN ABOARD THE GLEAVES-CLASS DESTROYER USS PLUNKETT (DD-431) BEGINNING IN MAY 1944. HE PARTICIPATED IN THE NORMANDY INVASION AT OMAHA BEACH AND THEN SAILED TO THE MEDITERRANEAN TO CARRY OUT DUTIES IN THE INVASION OF SOUTHERN FRANCE UNTIL NOVEMBER 1944. ABOARD THE PLUNKETT, HE TOOK PART IN VARIOUS PATROLS AND ESCORT ASSIGNMENTS IN THE ATLANTIC UNTIL THE END OF THE WAR IN EUROPE. IN MAY 1945 THEY TRANSITED THE PANAMA CANAL FOR DUTY IN THE PACIFIC. PACIFIC OPERATIONS INCLUDED ESCORTING OCCUPATION FORCES FROM THE US TO JAPAN, FERRYING TROOPS TO THE PHILIPPINES AND PATROLLING THE ALEUTIAN ISLANDS. SEPARATED FROM THE NAVY ON APRIL 16, 1946.