Ernst Bauer (3 January 1914 – 12 March 1988) was a German U-boat commander of World War II. He commanded the U-boats and , sinking 25 ships on five patrols, for a total of of Allied shipping, to stand 22nd on the list of highest scoring U-Boat aces of World War II. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (). The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership.