Bauders, David Allan

Also known as: 1LT, 176TH ENGINEER COMPANY, 741ST ORDNANCE BATTALION, 96TH TROOP COMMAND, SNOHOMISH, WA

Combatant

Male Verified

DiedMay 6, 2016

Age25 years old

Location of DeathAL ASAD, IRAQ

Cause of DeathKilled by enemy action during a route clearance mission

Conflict Operation Inherent Resolve

U.S. Army First Lieutenant David Allan Bauders, 25, of Seattle, Washington, was killed in action on May 6, 2016, at Al Asad Air Base in Iraq while serving with the 176th Engineer Company.

Their Story

First Lieutenant David Allan Bauders was a 25-year-old officer from Seattle, Washington. He served with the 176th Engineer Company, 741st Ordnance Battalion, a Washington Army National Guard unit based in Snohomish. Bauders was a 2013 graduate of Seattle University, where he earned a degree in civil engineering and participated in the university's Army ROTC program.

Bauders died on May 6, 2016, at Al Asad Air Base in Anbar province, Iraq. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, he was conducting a route clearance mission, a task involving the detection and disposal of improvised explosive devices, when he was killed. The Pentagon stated his death was the result of enemy action.

Bauders was deployed as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S.-led coalition campaign against the Islamic State (ISIS) militant group. In May 2016, ISIS still controlled significant territory in Iraq and Syria, including the city of Fallujah, approximately 40 miles east of Al Asad. Coalition forces were engaged in supporting Iraqi partner forces and securing strategic locations.

Following his death, Bauders was posthumously promoted from Second Lieutenant to First Lieutenant. His body was returned to the United States, and a memorial service was held at Seattle University's Chapel of St. Ignatius. The Washington National Guard and university officials publicly acknowledged his service and loss.

Bauders is remembered by his unit and alma mater. In 2017, Seattle University's ROTC program established an award in his name, presented annually to a cadet who demonstrates exceptional character and leadership. His name is inscribed on the university's memorial for alumni who died in military service.