James R. Bailey - U.S. Merchant Marines
1942-46

James R. Bailey, proudly served his country from 1942 - 1946 in the U.S. Merchant Marines, attaining the rank of Lieutenant. The Merchant Marines were a vital part of W.W. II, delivering all types of supplies to sustain the war efforts. They carried everything from toothpaste to armored vehicles and Lt. Bailey remembers carrying several locomotive engines to Italy. They were constantly on guard for enemy aircraft, whose goal was to sink as many Merchant Marine ships as possible.

Lt. Bailey had two brothers, Maxwell and Newman Bailey, serving in the Merchant Marines at the same time. James and Newman Bailey returned home, but Maxwell was killed and was buried at sea. James was glad to be able to return home in 1946.

Lt. Bailey said, "We never knew where we were going to deliver supplies until we got there, or where we would ship from next."