Background
John Douglas Bailey was born on September 29, 1920 to parents John A. Bailey and Olga Christine (née Bodsberg) Bailey in Michigan. He and his father had the same name so everyone called him "Douglas".
He attended high school in Crosby, Minnesota.
Wartime History
Bailey enlisted in the U.S. Army in Detroit, Michigan and became an aviation cadet in the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) and earned his wings and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant with serial number O-431101. Sent overseas to the South West Pacific Area (SWPA). Assigned to the 5th Air Force (5th AF), 35th Fighter Group (35th FG), 41st Fighter Squadron (41st FS) as a P-39 Airacobra pilot based at 7 Mile Drome (Jackson) near Port Moresby and began flying combat missions over New Guinea. Promoted to the rank of Captain.
On August 15, 1943 took off piloting a P-39 Airacobra over Tsili-Tsili and claimed two Japanese planes shot down.
After completing his tour of duty in New Guinea, he returned to the United States for leave.
During 1944, he married Lois E. Bailey of New York and the couple moved to 601 3rd Street, Crosby, MN. Afterwards, he returned to the squadron now flying the P-47D Thunderbolt over the Netherlands East Indies and Philippines.
Dena Huitt, crew chief 41st Fighter Squadron adds:
"I remember Bailey. He was in the [41st Fighter] Squadron when I joined it and soon left for home. When he returned later for a second tour of duty everyone was surprised. I think it was on his first or second mission that he crashed and was seen slumped over in the cockpit. He was an excellent pilot."
Mission History
On December 18, 1944 took off from Wama Airfield on Morotai piloting P-47D Thunderbolt 42-28513 on a strafing mission against Sanga Sanga Airfield. Over the target, hit by anti-aircraft fire and crashed a few yards from the southern end of the runway. When this aircraft failed to return it was officially listed as Missing In Action (MIA).
During the crash, the engine and wings were torn off and the fuselage landed intact. Orbiting above, flight leader 1st Lt Raby L. Jeanes observed Bailey in the cockpit, with his head against the instrument panel and circled the crash site four times to observe him before departing.
On December 19, 1944 his squadron mates searched the area and saw the wreckage of this P-47, but no sign of Bailey or anyone around Sanga Sanga Airfield. The tail and center section of the fuselage had been collected and placed along side the wings. A row of 55 gallon drums had been placed alongside the wreckage. Green brush and trees were placed over all the wreckage to camouflage it from view, but the metal skin was still visible from the air. The P-47s strafed the wreckage, setting it on fire and burning fiercely.
Fates of the Pilot
In fact, Bailey was taken prisoner by the Japanese Army, 25th Infantry Regiment. One of his guards was Katsuno, who remembered Bailey asked to send a letter to his wife to inform her that he was alive. Honoring his request, Bailey was allowed to write a postcard to her. Later, Katsuno was ordered to kill Bailey but instead allowed him escape. Bailey's ultimate fate and grave is unknown. He did not survive the war and remains listed as missing in action (MIA).
Memorials
Bailey was officially declared dead on December 19, 1945. He is memorialized at Manila American Cemetery on the tablets of the missing.
He also has a memorial marker at Lakewood Cemetery in Crosby, MN.
Awards
Bailey he earned the Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters. He was entitled to the Purple Heart, posthumously but unclear if it was awarded or not. He was officially credited with two aerial victories.
Relatives
John A. Bailey (father)
Olga Christine (née Bodsberg) Bailey (mother)
Quentin Bailey (brother) passed away June 1999
[obituary June 5, 1999]
Lois E. Bailey (wife)
Paula Johnson-Marsolek (cousin once removed of Bailey)
"John D. Bailey is my first cousin, once removed. He is my father's first cousin. And John's mother and my grandmother (my father's mother) were sisters. Another thing I need to say is that John and his father were both named 'John' so, everyone called his father (John A.), 'Jack' and everyone called son John D. 'Douglas'."
References
USAF Historical Study No. 85 USAF Credits For The Destruction of Enemy Aircraft, World War II Alphabetical: Bailey, John D. page 15 (PDF page 20), Alphabetical list by theater of operation (SWP) Bailey, John D.:
344 (PDF page 350), Chronological List: 08/15/43 394 (PDF page 399) and 41st FTR SQ page 348 (PDF page 552)
Missing Air Crew Report 11508 (MACR 11508) created December 27, 1944
NARA Prisoners of War Data File - John D. Bailey
"Individual has been reported through sources considered official"
American Battle Monuments Commission - John D. Bailey
FindAGrave - Capt John Douglas Bailey (photo, tablets of the missing photo)
FindAGrave -
John Douglas Bailey (memorial marker photo)
NHK "The Family History
of Hiroshi Katsuno" 2011
According to actor Hiroshi Katsuno his paternal grandfather guarded Bailey and allowed him to escape
Fight For Island Air Bases page 267
"Lt. John D. Bailey, Air Corps, Detroit Mich. - Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross: "For extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial fights in the Southwest Pacific area, from July to October 1942. During this period Lieutenant Bailey participated in more than 50 operational flight missions during which hostile contact was probable and expected. These flights included interception missions against enemy fighters and bombing planes. Throughout these operations, Lieutenant Bailey demonstrated outstanding flying ability."
Thanks to Paula Johnson-Marsolek and Dena Huitt for additional information
