Kenneth D. Bailey’s Silver Star citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL to

MAJOR KENNETH D. BAILEY, UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS,

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to the First Raider Battalion during action against enemy Japanese forces on Tulagi, Solomon Islands, August 7, 1942.After the advance of his company had been stopped by concentrated machine-gun and rifle fire, Major Bailey worked his way, with great difficulty, to the side of a Japanese dugout and attempted to remove rocks from its wall in order to permit his men to attack it from the flank. With heroic and inspiring leadership, although severely wounded, he continued to direct the ensuing action of his company until he was forcibly evacuated, thereby contributing materially to the destruction of the machine-gun nest and enabling his men to successfully carry out their mission. His dauntless courage and complete disregard for his own personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

For the President,
/s/ Frank Knoxl
Secretary of the Navy