Aviation Boatswain's Mate Third Class Bailey was a member of the crew of the carrier USS Kearsarge (CV-33). On 11 October 1952, the ship's helicopter, while being parked with rotors engaged, tipped over killing four crewmen and injuring six.

Bailey was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Korean War Service Medal.