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<p><em>Bruce Philip Auer</em> was born on May 1, 1944 in Flint, MI to Howard and Mary Auer. His parents raised Bruce and his brother, Mike, in a wholesome, hard-working, and loving family. At an early age, while attending Pierce Elementary, Bruce’s love for athletics started to take shape. By the time he entered Central High School in Flint, Bruce excelled playing football, and by the time he graduated he was named to the Michigan All-State team, as a center. He loved pranks and developed a dry humor and a sharp wit, but all the while he earned good grades. So good, in fact, he was successful in securing a congressional appointment to West Point from his congressman, Gerald Ford, who would later become president of the United States. He passed the entrance exams, and on July 2, 1962 Bruce stepped off the bus at West Point along with his future classmates. </p>
<p>Bruce’s personality and winning smile, which instantly communicated both friendship and a “smart-ass” attitude, won him many friends at West Point, friendships that would last a lifetime. He liked popular songs and frequently listened to top-100 radio stations. His favorite was WABC of midtown Manhattan and a disc jockey named Bruce Morrow, known as Cousin Brucie. It wasn’t long before Bruce’s classmates started calling him “Cousin Brucie,” a nickname that lasted well beyond his college years. Bruce also excelled in sports at the Academy. He played Army football his plebe year and then discovered rugby, which he would star in for the next four years. However, West Point discipline was another matter. Bruce was determined not to let that dampen his fun-loving spirit, but the Tactical Department had different ideas and plagued him all four years, even making him walk punishment tours during June Week, days before graduation. But Bruce never lost his irreverent nature and his warm smile. Despite his adversity with the Tactical Department, he performed academically and graduated with his class in June 1966.</p>
<p>Following graduation, Bruce was commissioned a second lieutenant of Armor. He underwent airborne training at Fort Benning, GA and passed that without breaking his stride. Then came Ranger training, which was a daunting nine-week period for the most dedicated, but Bruce also took that on in his own style—good natured, bucking discipline and with his trademark smile. During Ranger training, Bruce was on an ambush patrol carrying an M-60 machine gun with several belts of ammo. Despite the fact that the Ranger cadre had stressed fire discipline several times, it was obvious that Bruce wasn’t into that. He took all the ammo, more than 200 rounds, and linked the belts together, saying, “We’ll get rid of this extra weight.” When the ambush was sprung, Bruce pulled the trigger and held it there. The patrol had halted and the cadre had yelled “cease fire,” but he rolled over on his back, grinning and kept the M-60 going. Two cadre stood over him and gave a direct order to cease fire, which was ignored, and he continued firing until the ammo was expended, smiling all the time. Despite his disregard for discipline, Bruce performed well and passed the rigorous course, earning the coveted Ranger Tab.</p>
<p>In 1967 and 1968, Bruce served in Vietnam with C Company, 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment. As the executive officer of Charlie Company and the platoon leader of the 2nd Platoon, he was well respected by the men he led. His tank unit was assigned to several infantry divisions located throughout Vietnam. On two occasions his tank was hit by enemy fire: once by a rocket grenade that entered the turret, and the second was an exploding mine that flipped his tank on its side. Bruce emerged from both injured but smiling. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his actions in Vietnam and was promoted to captain. Following Vietnam, Bruce was assigned to the Armor Officer Advanced Course at Fort Knox, KY. When not attending classes, he partied with his fellow officers (and Louisville coeds), happy to be back home. When not in his uniform, Bruce was typically seen in denim overalls over a white tee shirt, regardless of the attire of the other partygoers. Nevertheless, everyone still loved Cousin Brucie. He lit up every party he attended. He regrettably said goodbye to Kentucky and transferred to Hawaii at Schofield Barracks, which marked the end of his military career. Bruce resigned his commission in 1970 and stayed in Hawaii for a year to relax and recuperate. It was during this time he met his future wife, Sue, and they remained married for 15 years, divorcing in 1985.</p>
<p>Due to his love of big engines, he joined General Motors in 1971, becoming the manager of the GM Development & Test unit. During this time, GM assigned Bruce to the Mexico City facility for three years, during which he oversaw the upgrade of their engine design. He retired from General Motors in 2000. In retirement, he was an NRA member, an enthusiastic and sometimes successful golfer, and an avid boater. </p>
<p>Bruce died October 28, 2007 in Grand Blanc, MI following a brief illness. Surviving Bruce is his brother, Mike Auer; two nephews, Brian Auer and Matt Auer; an uncle, several cousins, and many loving friends. His West Point classmates remember Bruce as one of a kind, a great friend who would give you the shirt off his back and someone you could count on. We miss you, Bruce.</p>
<p><em>— Deme Clainos</em></p>
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