The Bailey Brothers were seven African Americans from Punta Gorda who served their country in World War II and the Korean War.
On February 27 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the Democratic Party Headquarters on 3596 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte, local publisher James Abraham told the story of these seven brothers.
Lt. Charles Bailey was the first black aviator from Florida to become a Tuskegee Airmen flying 133 combat missions.
Corporal Arthur Bailey served in the Marine Corps and spent time on Iwo Jima.
E-5 Harding C. Bailey, Sr. served aboard the USS Mason, a destroyer escort during World War II.
E-4 Berlin J. Bailey, Sr. served in the Pacific Theater during the war.
Pfc. Paul Bailey was a chaplain’s assistant assigned to the Western Pacific during WW II.
Lt. Carl A. Bailey was too young for WWII, but went on to fly jets in the Korean War.
Sgt. Maurice M. Bailey, the eldest of the nine Bailey children, served his country in World War II and in Korea.
This memorial marker at Charlotte County airport honors the contributions of the Bailey brothers to the fabric of Punta Gorda, Florida and the United States.
