Air Force veteran Kenneth Bailey receives his long-overdue medals from U.S. Rep Jarad Moskowitz. {Moskowitz office}
By Martin Lenkowsky
Air Force veteran Kenneth Bailey was recently awarded the service medals he proudly earned, albeit 66 years too late.
Bailey, 91, of Coconut Creek, received his honorable discharge in 1956 during the Eisenhower administration. He was presented his long overdue medals by U.S. Representative Jared Moskowitz (D-Florida): the Occupation Medal WW II (Germany), the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, and a National Defense Service Medal.
Moskowitz said in a prepared statement: “In his years in the Air Force, Kenneth represented the best of what this country is all about. He was hard-working and committed but also kind and generous. It was my office’s honor to ensure Kenneth receives the recognition he deserves for his years of courageous service.”
The congressman’s press secretary, Keith Nagy, said such delays can sometimes happen. “There are always a handful of reasons why there’s a delay in awarding medals. Sometimes, it can be as simple as failure in government bureaucracy.”
Bailey agrees his recognition came a bit late. “I thought I’d die before I ever saw them,” he said. “I’m only 91.”
He joined the Air Force in 1952 and was the only one from his technical school who wasn’t deployed to Korea. “I’ve no idea why I wasn’t sent there. I went wherever they sent me,” he said.
During his time in the service, Bailey served as a communications specialist. He was in the radio-cryptology sector decoding secret messages. “I had secret clearance,” he said.
After leaving the service, Bailey received two bachelor of science degrees and a master’s in sacred theology. He went on to serve in the clergy under the Lutheran Church.
He’s thankful for finally receiving his long-overdue recognition. “Mr. Moskowitz came through.”
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Author Profile
- Martin Lenkowsky moved to Coral Springs from NYC in 1982. He has a bachelor’s degree from Brooklyn College. He has been both writer and editor for a number of South Florida publications since 1983. He considers features writing his specialty.
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