Major Kenneth D. Bailey of Oklahoma Honor
In honor of Veterans Day this November, Lawton Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram remembers Medal of Honor recipient, Major Kenneth D. Bailey, member of the U.S. Marine Corps from Pawnee, Oklahoma.
Major Bailey was born in Pawnee, Oklahoma on October 21, 1910 and lived in Illinois later in life with his parents. He first joined the Illinois National Guard and after three years, moved to the 5th Marines in Quantico, Virginia. From there, he served as a Detachment and Battery Officer on the USS Pennsylvania and then was promoted to first lieutenant in January 1939.
After also serving as Range Officer and Assistant to the Training Officer for the rifle range at Quantico, Major Bailey joined the 1st Marine Brigade, the 7th Marines, the 1st Marines, the 5th Marines, and finally the 1st Marine Raider Battalion.
In September of 1942, Major Bailey covered a forced withdrawal while receiving heavy enemy fire and a severe head injury. Despite the head wound, Major Bailey led his troops in hand-to-hand combat for ten hours on Solomon Islands.
Major Bailey served the United States with Honor, Courage, and Commitment as the Commanding Officer of Company C, 1st Marine Raider Battalion during the Japanese attack on Solomon Islands. He passed away soon after the battle on September 26, 1942.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt awarded Major Bailey with the Medal of Honor on March 24, 1943. The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force for individuals serving in the Armed Services of the United States.
Major Kenneth D. Bailey also received the Silver Star Medal, the Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, American Defense Service Medal with Fleet Clasp, and the World War II Victory Medal.
Major Kenneth D. Baily is buried in the Spring Hill Cemetery of Danville, Illinois.
Don’t forget, Lawton Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram honors veterans all year round with Military Discounts!
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