Bridge Rededicated To Honor Fallen Vietnam War Marine From Wrightstown

Bucks County Bridge 36 on Stockton Avenue in New Hope Borough has been rededicated in honor of Staff Sgt. Karol Raymond Bauer, a local Vietnam War serviceman who was killed.

Bauer, born in New York City and a Philadelphia-raised U.S. Marine, died in combat on April 30, 1967, in Quang Tri Province, Vietnam, at age 28.

The bridge renaming ceremony recognizes Bauer’s 11-year service in the U.S. Marine Corps, including a voluntary final tour of duty.

Bauer, who resided in Wrightstown Township, was survived by his wife and 18-month-old daughter.

Bucks County Commissioners Chairperson Bob Harvie expressed pride in the dedication and emphasized Bauer’s commitment to his country.

“Staff Sgt. Bauer spent more than a third of his short life in loyal service to his country, and we are proud that this dedication will ensure his memory lives on,” said Harvie. “And while we continue to mourn those taken before their time, we stand proud of the brave sacrifices made by Staff Sgt. Bauer and his fellow servicemen and women.”

The bridge, owned by the county and spanning Aquetong Creek, is part of a broader initiative to commemorate Bucks County’s 136 Vietnam War casualties.

Veterans’ advocate Ed Preston and the Pennsylvania Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund have partnered in this initiative, with this dedication marking the sixth such bridge renaming.

County Commissioner Diane Ellis-Marseglia highlighted the renamings as a source of comfort and closure for families and the community.

New Hope Borough Mayor Larry Keller acknowledged the county’s efforts to recently upgrade the bridge and the honor Bauer, who rests in Thompson Memorial Cemetery in Solebury Township.

Bauer’s elder brother, Walter, now 91, remembered the Marine as vibrant and adventurous, enjoying activities like motorcycling and horse riding.

“He was fun-loving. He loved to do everything,” he said of his brother.

Walter Bauer traveled to Tuesday’s ceremony from Delaware County.

The bridge renaming initiative honors the memory of 136 residents from Bucks County who were either killed or went missing in action during the Vietnam War.