THE PRICE OF FREEDOM

by John Dekhane

There are many stories of heroism during World War II, but very few are as powerful and heartbreaking as the story of Corporal Gene Tyre Baur. His courage and devotion continue to resonate, embodying the incredible strength, dedication, and selflessness that defined an entire generation. At just 17 years old, this Marine sacrificed everything for our freedom and our future, leaving behind grieving parents, a heartbroken sister, a mourning community, and a nation forever indebted to his valor.

Born on January 30, 1927, in Saint Joseph, Missouri, Gene Tyre Baur grew up surrounded by love, laughter, and the strong values that shaped the man he became. He was the son of Julius and Pansy Baur and the beloved brother of Shirley Ann Baur. The family lived at 1427 N 11th Street, where Gene was known for his warm smile and kindness. He was the friend everyone trusted, the student teachers admired, and the young man his parents were immensely proud of.

At 16, most of us were enjoying high school, hanging out with friends, learning to drive, or maybe even getting a part-time job. But at 16, Gene was fueled by an extraordinary sense of duty. In a world ravaged by war, his love for his country and his unwavering desire to defend our values led him to enlist in the United States Marine Corps, where he served as a radioman/gunner with the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 235. This squadron was instrumental in numerous operations in the Pacific, including Operation Cartwheel and the Battle of Bougainville. Gene’s dedication, bravery, and commitment made him a valued member of this elite team.

Day after day, week after week, he flew into hell for a heavenly cause, faced danger head-on, knowing that each mission could be his last. He risked everything, not for glory or fame, but for the freedom he knew was worth any price. Even when the mission seemed impossible and the odds were insurmountable, he always fulfilled his duties.

On June 16, 1944, Gene and his crewmate, 1st Lt. Major Fitzhugh Alford Jr., were on a bombing mission over Papua New Guinea, part of an operation targeting Japanese positions. They were flying a Douglas SBD Dauntless when their aircraft was struck by intense Japanese anti-aircraft fire. Despite the damage, they continued their mission, but tragically, their plane never returned to base. Gene’s aircraft was believed to have crashed or ditched into Simpson Harbor off Rabaul. Both Gene and 1st Lt. Alford were officially declared Missing in Action on June 16, 1944, and both were posthumously declared Killed in Action on June 17, 1945. Sadly, their remains were never recovered.

Gene would never return to the life he had known. He would miss the simple joys of life—laughter with friends, holidays with family, falling in love, and strolling through the familiar streets of Saint Joseph. His sacrifice left a deep void in the hearts of his family. His mother, Pansy, his father, Julius, and his sister, Shirley, carried the weight of their grief for the rest of their lives. The pain of his loss lingered with them until their own passing.

Today, Gene is memorialized on the Walls of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in the Philippines. His name is engraved on this sacred wall alongside countless other fallen heroes. This sanctified ground, where men and women are remembered for their ultimate sacrifice, is a heartbreaking reminder of the price of freedom and those who gave their lives to protect it.

As we reflect on the tremendous sacrifices made during World War II, it is our duty to never forget what an entire generation did for us to live in peace. Gene Tyre Baur was a son, a brother, a friend, and above all, a hero. His legacy challenges us to live with purpose, integrity, and a commitment to something greater than ourselves. It is not enough to simply remember the past—we must ensure that the values he stood for remain alive in our daily lives.