The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Colonel Caleb T. Bailey (MCSN: 0-3871), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 1 September 1943 to 10 December 1943 as Chief of Staff of a Task Unit at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. Colonel Bailey assisted greatly in organizing and preparing his Task Unit for action against Treasury and Bougainville Islands. This required outstanding professional ability and leadership since the Forward Echelon, First Marine Aircraft Wing, Argus Unit #5, Argus Unit #6, a detachment from Communications Unit #7, and 602d Radar Team, First Corps Signal Battalion, were hastily assembled after 1 October for the purpose of furnishing support bomber control, air liaison, air warning service, and fighter direction for the operations ashore at Treasury and Bougainville Islands. He successfully supervised the equipping, indoctrination and embarkation of both the Treasury Detachment and the Bougainville Detachment, and in addition, rendered invaluable advice in the formulation of the Air Operations plans. On 1 November 1943, Colonel Bailey commanding Commander Air, North Solomon’s Bougainville Detachment during the landing and movement inland, beyond established friendly lines, until the Commanding General was relieved of his duties as Attack Force Air Commander. Under his energetic supervision, all of the following services were functioning by 1830, D-Day:
(a) Air Warning Service (including radar telling),
(b) Fighter Direction Service,
(c) Close Support Bomber Control,
(d) Communications with ComAirSols,
(e) Communications with Divisional Headquarters.
From the day of landing until this date, he has on all occasions provided sound tactical advice and administrative assistance. By his courage, loyalty, enthusiasm, ability and energy, he has contributed greatly to the success of these operations. (Colonel Bailey is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Legion of Merit
-
Legion of Merit
-
Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelAction Date:
September 1 – December 10, 1943
Commander South Pacific: Serial 0049 (January 3, 1944) -
Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelAction Date:
November 2, 1950 – May 25, 1951
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel Caleb T. Bailey (MCSN: 0-3871), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States against the enemy while serving with the FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing in Japan and Korea, from 2 November 1950 to 25 May 1951. Colonel Bailey, as Chief of Staff, was a principal advisor to the Commanding General and responsible for supervising and coordinating the activities of the general and special staffs. These duties were invariably executed with outstanding competence. During the trying and difficult periods of the Wing’s operations in the Hamhung and Hungnam areas Colonel Bailey unfailingly exercised sound judgment, balance and foresight in the formulation of plans and conduct of our tactical air operations while he resolute and steadfast devotion to duty served as an example and inspiration to all. Following this operation, Colonel Bailey was charged with the supervision of the construction of K-1 Airfield, and with the construction and design of Wing facilities at that field. Through his force, singleness of purpose and diligence, this project was completed forthwith, enabling the early return of the wing to combat operations from a Korean base. Colonel Bailey’s performance of duty was uniformly outstanding and made a direct contribution to the success of the FIRST Air Wing’s operations against the enemy. Colonel Bailey’s conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Colonel Bailey is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)