101-year-old Michigan WWII veteran travels to France

ITHACA, Mich. (WILX) – A WWII veteran from Ithaca is traveling more than 4,000 miles to France, to remember those who lost their lives in the war.

Ceo Bauer has lived for over a century and has many stories to tell from his time at Carson City High School to serving three and half years in the military. He was drafted when he was just 19 years old.

“Well you’re somewhat apprehensive but back in that era most of us weren’t very cosmopolitan and we hadn’t been anywhere so you know certainly it was an adventure,” said Bauer.

Now he’s returning to where he once served; traveling from Ithaca, Michigan to France. He’s staying for 10 days attending D-Day ceremonies and a plague dedication in Mandeville where his 95th Infantry Divison.

“I will be the only veteran there out of the 95th Infantry Divison,” said Bauer. He added, “It was my duty to go.”

The 95th Infantry Division, also known as the Iron Men of Metz fought to liberate and defend the French city from the Germans during WWII. Bauer said visiting France is always nostalgic as it floods back memories of the past.

“We veterans that do get there are overwhelmed with what we encounter,” said Bauer.

For a separate occasion, Bauer is invited to France every five years for a Liberation Ceremony. The next one is in November of this year.

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