Robert O. Bare

Robert Osborne Bare (June 18, 1901 – September 30, 1980) was a decorated officer of the United States Marine Corps, who reached the rank of lieutenant general. He is most noted for his work as chief of staff of 1st Marine Division during World War II and later as Assistant Division Commander of the same unit during Korean War. Bare later retired as commanding general of the 1st Marine Division.

Early years

Bare was born on June 18, 1901, in Winterset, Iowa, as the son of local businessman, Benjamin F. Bare and his wife, a teacher Bertha Beerbower Bare. Young Robert was sent to the Severn School in Severna Park, Maryland, a preparatory school for the United States Naval Academy. He completed the school at the beginning of summer 1920 and subsequently received an appointment to the Naval Academy on June 9 of that year.

As any other newly commissioned marine officer, Bare was ordered to the Basic School at Philadelphia Navy Yard, which he completed during the following year. He was then ordered for expeditionary duty in Philippines in June 1925 and remained there until November 1927. Following his return, he was stationed at Quantico and was a member of Marine Rifle and Pistol Team until October 1929. Bare then served with the Marine Garrison at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, before he was transferred as first lieutenant to the Marine detachment aboard the battleship USS Colorado in August 1934.

Colonel Bare was transferred back to the Pacific theater in October 1944 and assigned to the staff of 1st Marine Division. He participated in the final phase of the Palau Islands Campaign and succeeded Colonel John T. Selden as division chief of staff at the beginning of November 1944. Bare was appointed to this capacity following the Battle of Peleliu, where 1st Division suffered heavy casualties. New division commander General Pedro del Valle tasked Colonel Bare with the supervision of the re-equipping and training, which effected a virtual reorganization of the division.

During the attack, he made frequent inspections of the front line tactical positions, coupled with his knowledge of military tactics and enemy methods, he was able to advise courses of action which led to decisions that contributed to the military successes of the division. Bare was in direct charge of directing, coordinating and supervising the construction and fortification of the extensive KANSAS line in the division sector and of making it into a position ready for occupancy on short notice. This involved many problems of tactics, coordination, construction and supply which he assisted in solving. He was subjected to the hazards of numerous uncharted mines and enemy artillery fire. The division was the first in the Corps to which it was attached to complete its organization of the critical KANSAS line.

Decorations

Here is the ribbon bar of Lieutenant General Robert O. Bare: