Local WWII Veteran Ken Bailey received France’s highest distinction, the Legion of Honor for his contribution to France’s liberation.
He along with 24 other American WWII veterans received the medals at a ceremony in New York City on Friday, July 3. They now hold the official rank: Knight of the Legion of Honor.
Bailey, who is 93 years old and lives in Voorheesville and grew up in Delmar, served with the fourth US Cavalry from 1942 to 1945. He was just 22 years old when he entered the war. Bailey has also received the Bronze Star for his services.
In the past 10 years, France has made an effort to recognize the aging America veterans who fought on French soil during the war. Bailey’s friend Art Hamilton from New Scotland received the same award last year, and a similar award ceremony was held in Florida this February.
The community has taken Bailey’s new honor as a chance to thank and celebrate one of the great heroes that fought for this country.
At his send off at the Albany-Rensellear Amtrak station, friends, family and local veterans surprised Bailey with a huge patriot send-off. Two rows of people holding large American flags lined his walk to the train and cheered him on.
“Boy that was something,” he recalled enthusiastically. “I’ve never been treated like that.”
Bailey said he was surprised to find so many new crews and supporters come out and support him, as he has only recently started to open up about his wartime experiences.
“Why me? I’m an old has-been – a nobody. I never like to be up front. All of a sudden they’re putting me up front,” he said with a laugh.
After arriving in New York City, Bailey and the other honorees took a tour of a the ship that General Lafayette used during the American Revolution, before arriving at the ceremony and receiving their medals.
France’s Minister of Defense Jean-Yves Le Drian flew stateside to preside over the ceremony and several members of the French consulate in New York City also attended.
The crowd at the station surprised Bailey once again when he, alongside his son Jack and granddaughter Tracy, returned to the station later that night. Bailey was particularly happy to see his friends from the Patriot Guard there.
“They’re just wonderful. I consider them my extended family,” he said of the Patriot Guard riders. The organization helps war veterans meet up with each other and takes them to events by motorcycle.
“I’m reliving my youth again on the back of a Harley,” he said while referring to a small photo of Bailey and his late wife sitting on a motorcycle.
Bailey became involved with the riders of the Patriot Guard in 2013, when they encouraged him to take a flight to Washington D.C. to see the WWII memorial there. His trip was paid for by the Patriot Flight charity organization.
He credits this experience to his ability to finally open up about his wartime experiences after years of silence. Bailey is now an active part of the local veteran community and has made a lot treasured friends along the way.
Ken Bailey’s new honor now helps give a long overdue thank you to a veteran who lent his service to this country so long ago.
