Leslie Wilmer Bailey

Leslie Wilmer Ace Bailey, Lt. Colonel, Infantry USA Retired March 5, 1914 - September 22, 2011

On September 22, 2011, Leslie W. Bailey died peacefully in Kingsport, Tennessee after a long meaningful life. Leslie Bailey "honored his father and mother" and his "days were long upon the land which the Lord his God had given him." NKJV. Born in Olinger, Virginia, on March 5, 1914, Leslie graduated Valedictorian of his high school class and studied at Cumberland College in Kentucky. He enlisted in the army and served at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii as a private soldier. After receiving an appointment to West Point Military Academy, Bailey attained the rank of Cadet Sergeant and was a Squad Leader. He graduated as an Infantryman in the West Point Class of 1941, and was assigned to Ireland and Scotland, where he served as a platoon leader in training for the North African invasion.

A true patriot and WWII combat veteran, Bailey fought for his country in North Africa, as a platoon leader with 34th Infantry Division, and he later fought in Italy as a company commander with the 135th Infantry Regiment of that Division. Bailey's distinguished military career lasted over 28 years. His military assignments included: Tactical Instructor at Ft. Benning, Georgia; Weapons Instructor at the United States Military Academy; student at the Army Intelligence School, Ft. Riley, Kansas; Assistant Professor of Military Science and Tactics and Chief Infantry Section at the Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.

A Korean War veteran, Bailey served as Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion, 25th Infantry Division and as G-l with that Division. After the Korea War, he served again at the Infantry School at Ft. Benning as Chairman of Editorial Committee, Department of Nonresident Instruction. Later assignments included Deputy Post Commander, Heidelberg Post, Germany; General Staff Officer, ROTC Program, 4th Army at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas; and Planning Staff USMACTHAI in Thailand. Lt. Colonel Bailey retired from the Army on August 1, 1969. His personal decorations include: the Combat Infantryman Badge with wreath and star; two Bronze Star Medals with combat V; and the Army Commendation Medal.

During 1969-70 Bailey was a National Science Foundation Scholarship Student and he received a Masters of Science Degree in Mathematics Teaching from North Carolina State University. At Martin Community College in Williamston, NC, Bailey was a Math Instructor, Associate Dean, College Transfer and Chairman of the College Transfer Department. In 1988, at age 74, he retired from teaching. Earlier he recorded his war memoirs in his book, Through Hell and High Water.

Leslie W. Bailey was preceded in death by his parents, Charles D. and Mary Anna Bailey; his brothers, Dean and Harold Bailey; and his beloved wife, Sarah Holliday Bailey of Williamston, North Carolina. He is survived by his son, Leslie W. Bailey, Jr. and his wife, Sharon; his daughter, Rosanne Mitchell and her husband, Joe; grandsons: Walter Bailey, William Bailey, Cameron Mitchell and Ryan Mitchell.

The funeral will be held on Monday, September 26, 2011 at 3:30 at Macedonia Christian Church, Highway 17, South, Williamston, North Carolina. The family will receive friends at the church from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. prior to the funeral.