The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Austin J. Bailey, Jr. (MCSN: 0-25781), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy in Korea while attached to Marine Fighter Squadron THREE HUNDRED TWELVE (VMF-312), on 16 October 1951. Captain Bailey, as a member of a twelve plane strike took off on a mission against an enemy railroad bridge as directed by the Joint Operations Center. Despite intense and accurate enemy anti-aircraft fire, Captain Bailey scored direct hits on the target. On the recovery from his first run Captain Bailey’s aircraft was hit by enemy fire. He then made two additional attacks on the enemy anti-aircraft positions, destroying both. During these attacks Captain Bailey’s aircraft was hit again and he was forced to ditch his plane at sea where he was picked up by an amphibious rescue plane. Captain Bailey’s efficient action and fearless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
First LieutenantAction Date:
June 8 – July 18, 1945
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Austin J. Bailey, Jr. (MCSN: 0-25781), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Ryukyu Islands Area from 8 June to 18 July 1945. First Lieutenant Bailey completed twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.