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By Al Wolf, August 20, 2008 | |
| | | 1. Major Kenneth D. Bailey Marker | | |
Inscription. In memory of Major Kenneth D. Bailey, U.S.M.C., Congressional Medal of Honor Winner for bravery in World War II.
A 1930 Danville High School graduate, he was Commanding Officer of Company C, First Raiders Battalion, which attacked Japaneese fortifications on Tulagi, Soloman Islands, in August 1942. He dynamited a cave containing 35 of the enemy.
On Sept. 12, 1942 he was credited with saving Henderson Field, a vital U. S. Airbase on Guadalcanal. On Sept. 27, 1942, Bailey returned to combat, wounded, and was killed by machine-gun fire.
A comrade wrote: “it was a great thrill to see him in the early dawn of our fiercest battle, still leading and urging his men forward to Victory. When he lost his life he was again leading his men forward - the only direction he knew.”
Kevin Cullen
Marker series. This marker is included in the Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients, and the Markers with Artwork marker series.
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. Click for map. Marker is about half a block South of Cherry Street - on slight hill. Marker is in this post office area: Danville IL 61832, United States of America.
Other nearby markers. | | | | 
By Al Wolf, August 20, 2008 | |
| | | 2. Wide View - Marker | | Easily seen on Left of flag poll sitting on hill side by side walk. | | |
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, 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); Abraham Lincoln at Danville Presbyterian Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); Abraham Lincoln Delivered an Impromptu Address (approx. 0.5 miles away). Click for a list 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 . . .
1. Medal of Honor Information. Listed are those that received the Congressional Medal of Honor with the Official Statement of circumstances. (Submitted on August 22, 2008, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana.)
2. FIRST OFFENSIVE: The Marine Campaign for Guadalcanal. This article by Henry I. Shaw, Jr., as part of a commemorative series produced by the Marine Corps History and Museums Division, is published on the National Park Service website. The chapter titled, September and the Ridge specifically discusses the battle where Major Bailey led his men in repulsing a Japanese attack, which had penetrated American lines during the Battle of Bloody Ridge, Guadalcanal. (Submitted on August 22, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.)
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Courtesy of Department of Defense (Photo 310563) | |
| | | 3. Major Kenneth D. Bailey | | |
Additional comments.
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 | | | | 
By Al Wolf, August 24, 2008 | |
| | | 4. Major Kenneth D. Bailey - - Memorial Way | | Note the Street Sign:: this section of North Hazel Street in front of the Memorials is also reflecting Honor to Major Kenneth D. Bailey. (Click on Photo to see Details.) | | |
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 originally submitted on August 21, 2008, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. This page has been viewed 919 times since then. 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. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page. |
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