Danville in Vermilion County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Major Kenneth D. Bailey

Congressional Medal of Honor

Photographed 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 Japanese 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

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

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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.

Wide View - Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Al Wolf, August 20, 2008

2. Wide View - Marker

Easily seen on Left of flag poll sitting on hill side by side walk.

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

Major Kenneth D. Bailey image. Click for full size.

Courtesy of Department of Defense (Photo 310563)

3. Major Kenneth D. Bailey

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.

Major Kenneth D. Bailey - - Memorial Way image. Click for full size.

Photographed 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.)

USS Kenneth D. Bailey (DDR-713) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Usn, 1960

5. USS Kenneth D. Bailey (DDR-713)

Radar picket destroyer at Mayport, Florida c. 1960

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 3,194 times since then and 28 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.