GENESEO, N.Y., July 12, 2023 – Aviation Machinist’s Mate Petty Officer Third Class John Charles Bailey has been named the Livingston County Veteran of the Month in July and was formally recognized at the Board of Supervisors Meeting on Wednesday, July 12, 2023.
Born in Avon, Bailey served proudly in the aviation community of the United States Navy from November 23, 1951 until his Honorable discharge November 10, 1955 during the Korean War.
While enlisted, he completed his basic training at Great Lakes, Illinois and continued his aviation training in Jacksonville, Florida and Memphis, Tennessee before reporting to his first duty station at Naval Air Station, Agana, Guam. While stationed in Guam, he was awarded an Air Force Commendation Certificate for his actions assisting the Air Force during the December 17, 1953 crash of a Boeing B-29 Superfortress on an approach landing. This led to several casualties with military crew and within family housing.
After his tour in Guam, Petty Officer Bailey was stationed with Fighter Squadron 193 deployed onboard the Essex-class aircraft carrier USS ORISKANY (CVA-34). While serving with the VF-193 Ghostriders, Bailey was assigned as the Plane Captain to then Navy Pilot and future astronaut, Alan Shepard, well known for being the first American to travel into space. Upon completion of duties with the squadron, he reported back to San Francisco, California where he would be discharged from active duty. For his military service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and China Service Medal. In addition to his military service, Bailey was interviewed for the Veterans History Project for the Library of Congress where his experiences are now part of national record.
Upon completion of his military service, Bailey returned home and worked for 14 years in management at the Avon A & P and another 14 years working with Metropolitan Life. After that, he worked 10 years with a unionized metal shop in Gates and with SouthCo Inc. in Honeoye Falls until his retirement. He is an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoys spending time with his family. He resides with his wife in Avon. They have five children, eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
Are you interested in nominating a deserving former member of our armed forces for the Livingston County Veteran of the Month or learning more about veteran-specific events? If so, please visit the newly launched LivCo Vets website.
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About Livingston County:
Founded in 1821, Livingston County, N.Y., is comprised of more than 61,000 residents in 17 towns located across 631 square miles of the Finger Lakes region.