Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class

    Batallion:

    5th Pioneer Battalion

    Division:

    5th Marine Division

    Action Date:

    February 19, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class John D. Bailey (NSN: 6646910), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Corpsman attached to a shore party of the Fifth Pioneer Battalion, FIFTH Marine Division, at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 19 February 1945. Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Bailey, without consideration for his own safety, was rendering emergency medical treatment to wounded men on the beach when he received shrapnel wounds in both legs. Thereafter, despite the pain from his wounds, he remained on the beach, and, under intense enemy fire, was making his way to render aid to a seriously wounded comrade when a mortar shell exploded close by seriously injuring him. His courageous conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.