Estrella Warbirds Museum opens expansions to honor Pfauter and Bauer

By Camille DeVaul · Thu Jan 15 2026

New additions to motorpool building and Hangar 1 expand public displays and commemorate two legacies rooted in World War II history

PASO ROBLES — The Estrella Warbirds Museum celebrated a milestone moment on Wednesday, Jan. 7, with the official opening and recognition of two facility expansions: the Pfauter Red Ball Motorpool Building and Hangar 1, now dedicated as the Bauer Aviators Memorial Hangar.

Herman Pfauter, whose renowned collection of expertly restored World War II vehicles anchors the Red Ball Motorpool, attended the opening alongside members of his family. The newly completed Pfauter Building extension allows the museum to display additional vehicles from Pfauter’s collection, many of which trace the logistical backbone of Allied forces during World War II.

Speaking at the ceremony, Pfauter reflected on his life-long journey as a collector and historian, beginning with his childhood in wartime Germany and culminating in the preservation of American-built military vehicles.

"It is a very special moment for me to stand here at 90 years and see this expansion added to the museum. It means a lot to me," Pfauter said.

Pfauter recounted growing up in Southeastern State of Saxony; he was barely affected by WWII until 1943, when Allied bombings forced his family to move further south near the Czech border. There, they were liberated by the Soviet Red Army on May 8, 1945. He remembers their wheeled equipment was mostly American-made: Willys Jeeps and Studebakers 2 1/2 ton 6X6 trucks.

Pfauter said that when it became known that Germany was to be split into zones, British friends of his father helped the family flee to the British Zone on a British military train. From there, they moved to Southern Germany, where he acquired his first heavy motorcycle, a Zuendapp KS 750 with a powered sidecar, a former German military bike. Once he got a bike license, he was off to explore Western Europe.

Pfauter graduated from high school in Ludwigsburg, Southern Germany, a former German military town that later became a major American base known as “Pattonville.” Immersed in American culture, he developed a passion for U.S. vehicles, purchasing several, including a 1942 Willys MB Jeep, a 1944 Dodge WC-52, and a 1942 Chevrolet. These experiences inspired his decision to immigrate to the United States.

In November 1949, Pfauter secretly left Germany aboard a Norwegian freighter bound for New York. He began working as a car mechanic in Massachusetts while also driving a Checker taxi to supplement his income. Encouraged by his father to seek better opportunities, he moved west to California and enrolled at the University of California, Berkeley, earning a Bachelor of Business degree. He supported himself through various jobs, including mechanic work, parking garage management, and lifeguarding.

Pfauter later completed a master’s degree in economics and earned a teaching credential, accepting a faculty position at Rio Hondo College in Whittier in 1967. After the Iron Curtain opened, he began traveling extensively throughout Europe with his wife, acquiring surplus American World War II military vehicles. Focusing on U.S.-built trucks and Jeeps for their durability and repairability, Pfauter assembled a remarkable collection, including a rare 1945 GMC CCKW with just 3,000 miles.

"I am deeply grateful that this museum, and now this new addition to the Red Ball Express, will preserve and share this collection with future generations," said Pfauter. "My sincere thanks go to the people who made this possible: Ren, John, Scott, Ken, Cindy, and the whole team at Estrella Warbirds Museum, for your outstanding commitment and expertise, and your support in caring for, managing, and transporting the final vehicles into the collection. Thank you for being here to celebrate this special day with me."

The event also honored the expansion of Hangar 1, now dedicated in memory of Harold “Hal” Bauer, a lifelong aviator, journalist, and museum supporter. Hal’s widow, Margi Bauer, addressed attendees, highlighting how the improvements will allow the museum to host larger events in the future.

The Hangar 1 extension includes a 20-foot expansion, resurfaced floors, fresh paint, new sound systems, large ceiling fans to improve climate comfort, and newly curated aviation artifacts.

Hal was born in Germany in 1928 and developed a love of aviation early, learning to fly gliders at just 9 years old. During World War II, his life was profoundly shaped by loss and service. At 14, his father was killed on the Russian front, and Hal was placed in a military academy while his mother raised their other children. At 17, he was conscripted to ferry aircraft to the German front.

After the war, Hal studied journalism and earned a scholarship to the University of Kentucky before immigrating to the United States in the 1950s. Deeply committed to his adopted country, he joined the Associated Press and was later drafted by the U.S. military, flying reconnaissance missions out of Alaska during the Korean conflict.

Hal went on to build a distinguished career with United Press International, spending more than a decade there and rising to the vice president of news position. He later worked in international film distribution and licensing before joining the Estrella Warbirds Museum. Encouraged by museum members, Hal spent the final decade of his life sharing his remarkable story through public speaking.

Margi shared, "We dedicate the Bauer Aviators Memorial Hangar One to celebrate his love of flying, his love of this museum, and his love of this country."

Both expansions were orchestrated by Estrella Warbirds Museum Chief Operating Officer Scott Stelzle. Attendees enjoyed a German-inspired meal during the celebration, and the museum extended special thanks to the Paso Robles City Council, the Paso Robles and Templeton Chambers of Commerce, and the Woodland Family for supporting the event and participating in the ribbon-cutting.

With these additions, the Estrella Warbirds Museum continues to expand its mission of preserving military aviation and vehicle history while creating engaging spaces for education, community events, and remembrance.

Feature Image: Estrella Warbirds Museum Board President Ren Stelloh gets ready to cut the ribbon for the two museums expansion to honor Herman Pfauter and Harold "Hal" Bauer. Pfauter is seen at left (with walker) and Margi Bauer, Hal's widow, is at far right. Photo by Camille DeVaul/PRP