USS KENNETH D. BAILEY DE-552

KENNETH DILLION BAILEY

Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, July 2015

Kenneth Dillion Bailey, born 21 October 1910 in Pawnee, Okla., was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps 10 July 1935. Assigned to various sea and shore billets before the outbreak of World War II, he served with the Marine detachment on board Pennsylvania (BB-38) from 2 June 1938 to 14 July 1940. Transferred 30 April 1942 to field duty in the Pacific with the 1st Marine Raider Battalion, he was promoted to Major 18 May. During the invasion of Tulagi, Solomon Islands, 7 August, he led a successful assault against an enemy machine gun nest. Although seriously wounded, he directed the action of his company until forcibly evacuated. For his “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity,” Major Bailey was awarded the Silver Star.

As commanding officer of Company C, 1st Raider Battalion, he led his men in repulsing a Japanese attack, which had penetrated American lines during the Battle of Bloody Ridge, Guadalcanal, 12 to 14 September. Despite a severe head wound, he directed his men for more than 10 hours of fierce hand-to-hand fighting. “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.” Killed 26 September while heading his men in an attack on the enemy at the Matanikau River, Guadalcanal, Major Bailey was posthumuously awarded the Medal of Honor and the Presidential Unit Citation.