In early 1940, the Bauer family finally received their visa to the United States. On March 9, they boarded the ship Lancastria in Liverpool for New York. It was a cold and burdensome crossing.

"The sea was rough and relentless for most of the ten days, and the movements of the ship caused my mother and me to feel persistent nausea. I was beside myself with joy when I saw the coast. For me, our arrival was very exciting, especially when they explained to me the meaning of the Statue of Liberty."