Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

or
  • Filter Recipient Database here
    • Service Branch
    • Conflict / Era
    • Additional Filters
      -  
    or

Vietnam War - U.S. Air Force

George Everette "Bud" Day

Details
  • Rank: Major (rank at presentation: Colonel; highest rank: Brigadier General (posthumously))
  • Conflict/Era: Vietnam War
  • Unit/Command:
    Misty Super FAC's F-100 Squadron,
    Phu Cat Air Base
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Air Force
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: August 26, 1967
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: North Vietnam
Citation

On 26 August 1967, Col. Day was forced to eject from his aircraft over North Vietnam when it was hit by ground fire. His right arm was broken in three places, and his left knee was badly sprained. He was immediately captured by hostile forces and taken to a prison camp where he was interrogated and severely tortured. After causing the guards to relax their vigilance, Col. Day escaped into the jungle and began the trek toward South Vietnam. Despite injuries inflicted by fragments of a bomb or rocket, he continued southward surviving only on a few berries and uncooked frogs. He successfully evaded enemy patrols and reached the Ben Hai River, where he encountered U.S. artillery barrages. With the aid of a bamboo log float, Col. Day swam across the river and entered the demilitarized zone. Due to delirium, he lost his sense of direction and wandered aimlessly for several days. After several unsuccessful attempts to signal U.S. aircraft, he was ambushed and recaptured by the Viet Cong, sustaining gunshot wounds to his left hand and thigh. He was returned to the prison from which he had escaped and later was moved to Hanoi after giving his captors false information to questions put before him. Physically, Col. Day was totally debilitated and unable to perform even the simplest task for himself. Despite his many injuries, he continued to offer maximum resistance. His personal bravery in the face of deadly enemy pressure was significant in saving the lives of fellow aviators who were still flying against the enemy. Col. Day's conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Air Force and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Armed Forces.

USED WITH PERMISSION, COPYRIGHT NICK DELCALZO
USED WITH PERMISSION, COPYRIGHT NICK DELCALZO
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Sioux City, Woodbury County, Iowa
  • Awarded Posthumously: No
  • Presentation Date & Details: March 6, 1976

    The White House, presented by Pres. Gerald R. Ford

  • Born: February 24, 1925, Sioux City, Woodbury County, IA, United States
  • Died: July 27, 2013, Ft. Walton Beach, FL, United States
  • Buried: Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola, FL, United States
 
Videos

Questions? For More Information Contact Us!