Seven Decades Later, War Hero Receives His Due Honors

On June 7, 1944, Robert Baer landed on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France. The day prior, the United States led largest amphibious invasion in world history as 160,000 soldiers stormed the 50-mile stretch of beach to fight Nazi soldiers, which is now known as D-Day.

Baer was among the reinforcements sent the following day, and helped continue the crucial fight in Company E, 317th Infantry Division. Baer spent three weeks living in a foxhole behind enemy lines, and fought in the North French and German campaigns until he was honorably discharged in 1945. Baer avoided battle wounds, but received other injuries during his deployment.

Baer’s heroic actions on the battlefield earned him several medals, but a fire four decades ago at a military records center in St. Louis destroyed countless records — including Baer’s. Those medals Baer deserved never made it on to his chest.

However, on Wednesday Baer — one of Falls’ most popular business owners and veterans — received his honors nearly seven decades later. U.S. Army Brigadier General Scott Legwold presented Baer with seven medals — including the Bronze Star Medal — in front of fellow veterans, family, dignitaries, and business owners in a surprise ceremony during the Menomonee Falls Rotary Club regular meeting.

The Bronze Star Medal recognizes acts of heroism and meritorious achievement in ground combat, and is the fourth highest combat award for U.S. Armed Forces. Baer also received the following medals Wednesday:

• American Campaign Medal
• European-African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
• WWII Victory Medal
• Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award
• Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII
• Marksman Bade with Rifle Bar

Throughout the surprise ceremony, Baer smiled and shook many hands, but was also quiet and humble. Baer was never one to talk much about the war after returning home. He had never pursued his medals, and really wasn't sure which ones he had earned.

“It is quite neat that they got back into researching the medals. Most veterans never really talked about the war afterward, and it was the same in my case," Baer said. "The biggest thrill was that so many people came to see this. I had no conception about the medals, but the beauty was that so many people were here.”

Baer has lived in Menomonee Falls since he was 6 years old, and joined the military immediately following his graduation from in 1943. He’s owned most of his life, and shares the Main Street building with .

Baer is one of Falls’ more recognizable businessmen and residents. He served as the Chamber of Commerce president, vice president of , director of the Main Street Association, and director of Falls’ Fall Fair. He’s an Eagle Scout and a 36-year member of the Rotary Club.

“(Bob) is not only a hero in the war sense, but he’s a fixture in Menomonee Falls and one of our favorite sons,” said Village President Randy Newman. “Since he’s come home, he’s been a leader in the community. You can’t walk down Main Street during the day and not see Bob heading between his shop, the bank, or another businesses. He’s given so much to this community, and Menomonee Falls is a better place because he is here.”

For Baer’s family, Wednesday was a day to tie loose ends together before it’s too late.

“It’s the fulfillment of what was due to him when he came back from the war, which was such a rough experience. He just wanted to get back to a normal life, but didn’t really pursue any of the medals,” said Baer’s daughter, Robin Manke. “It’s just time now that he’s closer to the other end.”

Baer also received a VFW Medal Award from Menomonee Falls VFW Commander Bob Schmidt. State Sen. Alberta Darling and state Rep. Dan Knodl also presented Baer with a proclamation plaque in his honor.

Although Baer is now 87, he still spends a lot of time over at the shop and is still in great health. In fact, each morning he goes through an exercise regimen before he steps into the shower.

“My health has been excellent, I have no aches or pains,” Baer said. “I do my exercises religiously every morning.”