Danville in Vermilion County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Major Kenneth D. Bailey
Congressional Medal of Honor
Kevin Cullen
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • Peace • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Medal of Honor Recipients series list. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1812.
Location. 40° 7.89′ N, 87° 37.733′ W. Marker is in Danville, Illinois, in Vermilion County. Marker is on North Hazel Street south of Cherry Street, on the right when traveling south. Marker is about half a block South of Cherry Street - on slight hill. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Danville IL 61832, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. World War II Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Workers Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Vermilion County Korean and Vietnam War Memorial (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Two Trees Reach for Heaven (about 500 feet away); Women's War Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); American Revolutionary War Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lindley Sign Post Forest (approx. ¼ mile away); The Temple / Danville USA (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Danville.
Regarding Major Kenneth D. Bailey. During the invasion of Tulagi, Solomon Islands, 7 August 1942, Major Bailey led a successful assault against an enemy machine gun nest. Although seriously wounded in that fight, he directed the action of his company until forcibly evacuated. For his "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity," Major Bailey was awarded the Silver Star.
Also see . . . Kenneth D. Bailey. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on November 26, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Additional commentary.
1. Medal of Honor Citation
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to
MAJOR KENNETH D. BAILEY
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
for service as set forth in the following CITATION:
For extraordinary courage and heroic conduct above and beyond the call of duty as Commanding Officer of Company C, First Marine Raider Battalion, during the enemy Japanese attack on Henderson Field, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on September 12-13, 1942. Completely reorganized following the severe engagement of the night before, Major Bailey's company, within an hour after taking its assigned position as battalion reserve between the main line and the coveted airport, was threatened on the right flank by the penetration of the enemy into a gap in the main line. In addition to repulsing this threat, while steadily improving his own desperately held position, he used every weapon at his command to cover the forced withdrawal of the main line before a hammering assault by superior enemy forces. After rendering invaluable service to the Battalion Commander in stemming the retreat, reorganizing the troops and extending the reserve position to the left, Major Bailey, despite a severe head wound, repeatedly led his troops in fierce hand to hand combat for a period of ten hours. His great personal valor while exposed to constant and merciless enemy fire, and his indomitable fighting spirit inspired his troops to heights of heroic endeavor which enabled them to repulse the enemy and hold Henderson Field. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.
/S/FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT
— Submitted August 22, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 26, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 21, 2008, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. This page has been viewed 3,181 times since then and 15 times this year. Last updated on June 17, 2010. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 21, 2008, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. 3. submitted on August 22, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 4. submitted on August 25, 2008, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. 5. submitted on November 26, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.