Its All about Guts

“It’s all about Guts” is a non-fiction story based on true life events starting with the arrival of Sherman’s Army at their plantations and being recruited into the union army in the pioneer corps. The brave young men depicted in the book describe their arduous journey building corduroy roads and bridges in a harsh winter through the swamps of South Carolina and quick sand of North Carolina to arrive in Goldsboro where they are outfitted in the blue uniforms of the United States Army, raised their right arm, take the oath of service and become regular soldiers. Leaving Goldsboro, they march to Raleigh and from there the four-hundred-and-fifty-mile march through Virginia takes them to Washington, D.C.

After service and being mustered out of the Army, they reveal in their pension records, their family lives and many who carry scars of the war as evidenced in their medical records. We now wish to honor these humble men who worked so gallantly in General Sherman’s Army and who helped to bring an end to the Civil War and freedom for generations of their descendants.

Dr. Frank Smith, PhD

Executive Director

African American Civil War Museum

Lloyd Townsend

As a descendant of Perry Townsend, one of the 135th USCT soldiers it gives me great joy to see their stories of these courageous men brought to light. Jay and Amy’s dedication has culminated in this wonderful second book that sensitively depicts the stories of these GUTSY men.

Lloyd Townsend, MD

I want to thank Jay and Amy Bauer for traveling from state to state, going from cemetery to cemetery in search of the final resting place of the men of the 135th United States Colored Troop and their descendants. Much like the Bauer’s, I have been on a genealogical quest searching for Harry Martin, a member of the 135th USCT. The Bauer’s invited me into their home to share the deposition of Harry Martin, to solve the mystery of the Rawl/Martin name and unlock my genealogical origin story. The Bauer’s shared the North Carolina history of the 135th USCT and established a broader connection to United States history during the 2019 Royal/Martin Family Reunion. Thank you again to Jay and Amy Bauer for all the help you provided to me and the other descendants of the men of the 135th USCT.

Elizabeth Meggett

Jay attended Bishop Garcia Diego High School and college in Santa Barbara California, before entering the US Army. Captain Bauer was a fixed wing aviator in Vietnam receiving two Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, and 19 Air Medals. Following his six years in the service he spent 40 years working as Vice President of a Commercial Construction Company in Southern California before retiring in 2013.

Amy’s education includes attending St. Vincent’s Academy, and Georgia Southern University. Amy was the owner of Bauer insurance. Amy and Jay have also co-authored a book aimed at children and young adults, Where Eagles Come From. It’s a non-fiction book that highlights life experiences of a young African American girl growing up with southern routes, in modern times, and making discoveries about her family that were left to be forgotten.