Cold Case Investigation Brings Closure, Honors Long-Missing Army Veteran in Chicago

At the gravestone of a relative he never knew, Mark Bailey held a neatly folded American flag close, feeling an intense wave of connection and closure wash over him for the very first time. 

This week, Reba Caroline Bailey, a veteran of the Women’s Army Corps who left this world in 2015 as an unidentified ward of the state in Chicago, was honored with full military funeral rites, a tribute made possible through the efforts of a cold case investigation.

Bailey stood among the crowd at the unique ceremony at Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery, where the mystery of the veteran known as “Seven” was finally revealed. A remarkable revelation has emerged following nearly a decade of obscurity. 

In 2023, a fingerprint match revealed a connection to military records that dated back to 1961, ultimately uncovering the true identity of Seven as Reba Caroline Bailey from Danville, Illinois.

In a poignant revelation, investigators from the Cook County Sheriff's Department explored the life of Bailey. After her service in the Army, she found herself estranged from her family, relocating to Chicago, where she endured a profound and unsettling memory loss, ultimately identifying herself only as “Seven.” Stories from homeless shelters illuminated Seven’s kindness and her contributions as a cook, but her true identity continued to elude everyone.

The investigation led to the replacement of the old numbered headstone with a new one that proudly displays her name and military rank. Commander Jason Moran of the sheriff’s missing persons unit conveyed his deep appreciation for honoring Bailey with the recognition she so rightly deserved.

On Tuesday, the ceremony featured heartfelt prayers, a solemn 21-gun salute, and the poignant sound of taps, all in tribute to Bailey's dedicated service. Family members honored Seven’s love for the Chicago Cubs by placing a cap at the grave, a heartfelt tribute to his enduring passion for the team. 

Sheriff Tom Dart of Cook County highlighted that the ceremony stood as a poignant reminder of the vital need to acknowledge and pay tribute to all unclaimed veterans.

Mark Bailey, alongside his son Cole, who dreams of enlisting, shared that the ceremony brought comfort to his family and ensured that the life and service of Reba Caroline Bailey will forever be honored.

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