Harry O. Bailey’s Silver Star citation

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

CORPORAL HARRY O. BAILEY,
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS RESERVE

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Leader of an Assault Demolition Squad in Headquarters Company, First Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, from 15 to 22 September 1944. When the officer in charge of battalion assault teams was killed during a fierce attack across difficult terrain against an enemy force strongly entrenched in coral caves and concealed by dense undergrowth, Corporal Bailey unhesitatingly assumed command of the remaining squads and subsequently directed them in all assigned missions. Attached to another platoon and later to a company when severe casualties had reduced the original number in his units from thirty-to to nine, he participated in a daring attack against heavy enemy concrete machine-gun emplacements and, after the platoon leader and platoon sergeant became casualties, he again assumed command, led his men in bitter hand-to-hand combat and succeeded in putting the last remaining pillbox out of action. His outstanding courage, competent leadership and valiant fighting spirit in the face of heavy odds reflect great credit upon Corporal Bailey and the United States Naval Service.”

For the President,
/s/ Francis P. Whitehair
Secretary of the Navy,
Acting

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Born: Washington, D.C…. Home of record: Washington, D.C.