Flag raising honors Glidden marine

A flag will be raised in front of the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center at 9 a.m. Friday in honor of Leonard C. “Jack” Bay, who served his country proudly in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. The flag of honor ceremony takes place in front of the center and is open to the public.

Bay, of Glidden and Solon Springs, was born on Sept. 5, 1919, in Shanagolden, Wis. He was a graduate of Glidden High School class of 1937. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on July 15, 1942 in Minneapolis, Minn. and served in the Pacific Theater. He was honorably discharged from the Separation Battalion, Redistribution Regiment/Camp Pendleton on Oct. 12, 1945. He died July 27, 2011.

During his service in the Marine Corp, Jack was deployed to New Zealand, New Caledonia and Guadalcanal aboard a Liberty ship, also known as an “Ugly duckling” because, according to President Franklin Roosevelt, “they’re able to carry a load, but aren’t much to look at.” While in the Pacific, Corporal Bay served in the Military Police. As a rifle marksman, he was in command of an artillery range in New York up on his return stateside.

Jack made many lasting friends as a result of his service time. He was very proud of his country and proud to be a member of the U.S. Marine Corps family. His patriotism was a legacy he left his wife, Sandy, his three children, Marcia, Patti and Gary, his six grandchildren and his four great-grandchildren.

Tags: douglas county, community, military