Charles Justin Bailey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Justin Bailey
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Bailey in 1918
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| Born | June 21, 1859 Tamaqua, Pennsylvania |
| Died | September 21, 1946 (aged 87) Jamestown, New York |
| Place of Burial |
Lake View Cemetery
Jamestown, New York |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1880–1922 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Unit | 81st Division |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards |
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Charles Justin Bailey (June 21, 1859 – September 21, 1946) was a very important general in the United States Army. He is best known for leading the 81st Infantry Division during World War I.
Contents
Early Life and Military Training
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Charles Justin Bailey was born in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, on June 21, 1859. He had a strong interest in serving his country. He attended the West Point military school, which is a famous place where future Army leaders train. He graduated from West Point in 1880. Right after finishing school, he became a second lieutenant in the Army's 1st Artillery Regiment. This was the start of his long and successful military career.
Beginning His Army Career
General Bailey became an expert in coastal artillery. This meant he learned how to use big guns to protect coastlines and harbors. His first jobs took him to many different places. He served at forts like Fort Adams in Rhode Island and Fort Canby in Washington. He also worked at the Presidio of San Francisco, Alcatraz Citadel, and Fort Mason in California.
In 1888, he went to the Artillery School at Fort Monroe, Virginia, to learn even more. After this training, he was promoted to first lieutenant. In the 1890s, he continued to serve in various roles. He worked with the 1st Artillery at Fort Hamilton, New York. He also helped manage artillery defenses in New Orleans at Jackson Barracks. For a time, he even taught military science at the University of Vermont. In 1898, the university gave him an honorary degree called a master of arts.
Serving in the Spanish–American War
During the Spanish–American War, General Bailey played an important role. He was in charge of Battery G, 1st Artillery Regiment, at Fort San Jacinto in Texas. Later, he commanded a battery of the 7th Artillery Regiment at Fort Preble in Maine. His dedication and leadership during this time led to his promotion to captain in 1899.
After the Spanish–American War
After the war, General Bailey continued his service at Sandy Hook Proving Ground until 1902. From 1902 to 1904, he was stationed at Fort Totten in New York. Here, he managed money for programs that bought and used mines to protect U.S. harbors. He also worked on a team that tested torpedoes for coastal defense.
In 1905, he was promoted to major. He then became the commander of the Artillery District of New Orleans at Jackson Barracks. He also worked on the General Staff at the War Department. He even served as the Secretary of the Army War College, a top school for Army leaders. From 1908 to 1911, he was a senior helper to the Chief of Coast Artillery. He was promoted to colonel in 1911 and brigadier general in 1913.
From 1911 to 1913, General Bailey commanded the 1st Provisional Coast Artillery Regiment at Fort Crockett, Texas. In 1913, he was put in charge of the coast defenses of Puget Sound in Washington. After that, he returned to Fort Totten to command the North Atlantic Coast Artillery District. From 1914 to 1917, he commanded the coastal defenses of Manila and Subic Bays in the Philippines.
Leadership During World War I
On August 5, 1917, General Bailey was promoted to major general. This was a very high rank. He was first assigned to command the Philippine Department. In 1918, he was given command of the 81st Division. He led this division in France from 1918 to 1919 during World War I. His leadership was crucial during this major global conflict.
After World War I
In 1919, after the war, General Bailey was chosen to command the Middle Atlantic Coast Artillery District at Fort Totten. He then commanded the 7th Division at Fort Meade, Maryland. He was again promoted to major general. He commanded the Third Corps area at Fort Howard, Maryland, until he retired from the Army in 1922.
Awards and Honors
General Bailey received several important awards for his service. These included:
- The Distinguished Service Medal from the U.S. Army.
- The Order of Leopold from Belgium.
- The Croix de Guerre with palm from France.
- He was also an officer of the Legion of Honor from France.
Later Life and Family
General Bailey suffered a hip injury in a fall in July 1945 and never fully recovered. He passed away on September 21, 1946, at his home in Jamestown, New York. He was buried at Lake View Cemetery in Jamestown.
In 1885, General Bailey married Mary M. Dodge. They had two daughters named Omira and Merry. Omira Bailey later married Army Colonel Alexander Wheeler Chilton. Merry married Army Colonel Charles Lewis Gandy. General Bailey's first wife died in 1923. In 1924, he married Elizabeth Hegeman Bailey.
