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FReeper Canteen ~ Hall of Heroes: George Everett "Bud" Day ~ November 9, 2009
Serving The Best Troops And Veterans In The World!! | StarCMC

Posted on 11/08/2009 4:59:53 PM PST by Kathy in Alaska


Our Troops Rock!  Thank you for all you do!
 
For the freedom you enjoyed yesterday... Thank the Veterans who served in The United States Armed Forces.
 
Looking forward to tomorrow's freedom? Support The United States Armed Forces Today!
 
 
~ Hall of Heroes ~

Bud Day
Story from this website.

ArmyPatch small   NavySeal small   Air Force Seal   Marines Seal small   Coast Guard Seal small (better)
George Everett "Bud" Day (born February 24, 1925) is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and Command Pilot who served during the Vietnam War. He is often cited as being the most decorated U.S. service member since General Douglas MacArthur, having received some seventy decorations, a majority for actions in combat. Day is a recipient of the Medal of Honor.

Day was born in Sioux City, Iowa, on February 24, 1925. In 1942 he quit high school and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served 30 months in the North Pacific during World War II as a member of a 5 in (130 mm) gun battery with the 3rd Defense Battalion on Johnston Island.

After the war, Day attended Morningside College on the G.I. Bill, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree, followed by law school at the University of South Dakota, receiving a Juris Doctor. Day passed the bar exam in 1949 and was admitted to the bar in South Dakota. In later life, Day was also awarded a Master of Arts degree from St. Louis University, a Doctor of Humane Letters from Morningside, and a Doctor of Laws from Troy State University. Day was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1977.

A member of the Army Reserve, in 1950 he received a direct commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Iowa Air National Guard, and was called to active duty in 1951 for Undergraduate Pilot Training. He served two tours as a fighter-bomber pilot during the Korean War flying the Republic F-84 Thunderjet, surviving a "no-chute" ejection in 1955. Promoted to captain, he decided to make the Air Force a career and was augmented into the Regular Air Force, and transitioned to the F-100 Super Sabre in 1957 while stationed at RAF Wethersfield.

Anticipating retirement in 1968 and now a major, Day volunteered for a tour in Vietnam and was assigned to the 31st Tactical Fighter Wing at Tuy Hoa Air Base in April 1967. At that time he had more than 5,000 flying hours, with 4,500 of them in fighters. On June 25, 1967, with extensive previous service flying two tours in F-100s, Major Day was made the first commander of Detachment 1, 416th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 37th Tactical Fighter Wing based at Phu Cat Air Base. Under the project name "Commando Sabre", twin-seat USAF F-100Fs were evaluated as a Fast Forward Air Control ("Fast FAC") aircraft in high threat areas, given that F-4 Phantom II aircraft were in high demand for strike and Combat Air Patrol (CAP) roles. Using the call sign Misty, the name of Day's favorite song, his detachment of two-seat F-100Fs and 16 pilots became pioneer "Fast FACs": Forward Air Controllers over Laos and North Vietnam. All Misty FAC crews were volunteers with at least 100 combat missions in Vietnam and 1,000 minimum flight hours.


 Prisoner of war

On August 26, 1967, Major Day was flying F-100F-15-NA, AF Serial No. 56-3954, call sign "Misty 01",[2] on his 26th Fast FAC sortie, directing a flight of F-105 Thunderchiefs in an air strike against a surface-to-air missile (SAM) site north of Thon Cam Son and west of Dong Hoi, 20 mi (32 km) north of the DMZ in North Vietnam. Day was on his 65th mission into North Vietnam and acting as check pilot for Captain Corwin M. "Kipp" Kippenhan, who was upgrading to aircraft commander. 37 mm antiaircraft fire crippled the aircraft, forcing the crew to eject. In the ejection, Day's right arm was broken in three places when he struck the side of the cockpit, and he also experienced eye and back injuries.

Kippenhan was rescued by a USAF HH-3E, but Day was unable to contact the rescue helicopter by survival radio and was quickly captured by North Vietnamese local militia. On his fifth night, when he was still within 20 mi (32 km) of the DMZ, Day escaped from his initial captors despite his serious injuries. Although stripped of both his boots and flight suit, Day crossed the Demilitarized Zone back into South Vietnam, becoming the only U.S. prisoner of war to escape from North Vietnam. Within 2 mi (3 km) of the U.S. Marine firebase at Con Thien and after 12–15 days of evading, he was captured again, this time by a Viet Cong patrol that wounded him in the leg and hand with gunfire.

Taken back to his original camp, Day was tortured for escaping, breaking his right arm again. He then was moved to several prison camps near Hanoi, where he was periodically beaten, starved, and tortured. In December 1967, Day shared a cell with Navy Lieutenant Commander and future Senator and Presidential Candidate John S. McCain III who was even more seriously injured and emaciated. Air Force Major Norris Overly nursed both back to health, and McCain later devised a makeshift splint of bamboo and rags that helped heal Day's seriously atrophied arm.

On March 14, 1973, Day was released after five years and seven months as a North Vietnamese prisoner. Within three days Day was reunited with his wife, Doris Sorensen Day, and four children at March Air Force Base, California. On March 4, 1976, President Gerald Ford awarded Day the Medal of Honor for his personal bravery while a captive in North Vietnam.

Day had been promoted to Colonel while a prisoner, and decided to remain in the Air Force in hopes of being promoted to Brigadier General. Although initially too weak to resume operational flying, he spent a year in physical rehabilitation and with 13 separate medical waivers, was returned to active flying status. He underwent conversion training to the F-4 Phantom II and was appointed vice commander of the 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.


 Retirement

After being passed over for nomination to brigadier general, Day retired from active duty in 1977 to resume his practice of law in Florida. At his retirement he had nearly 8,000 total flying hours, 4,900 in single engine jets, and had flown the F-80 Shooting Star, F-84 Thunderjet, F-100 Super Sabre, F-101 Voodoo, F-104 Starfighter, F-105 Thunderchief, F-106 Delta Dart, F-4 Phantom II, A-4 Skyhawk, A-7 Corsair II, CF-5 Tiger, F-15 Eagle,jet fighters.

Following his retirement, Day wrote an autobiographical account of his experiences as a prisoner of war, Return with Honor, followed by Duty, Honor, Country, which updated his autobiography to include his post-Air Force years. Among other endeavors, in 1996 Day filed a class action lawsuit for breach of contract against the United States government on behalf of military retirees who were stripped of their military medical care benefits at age 65 and told to apply for Medicare. Although winning the case in the district court in 2001, the judgment against the U.S. was overturned by the U.S. Court of Appeals in 2002. The U.S. Congress later redressed this situation by establishing the "TRICARE For Life" (TFL) program, which restored TRICARE military medical benefits for career military retirees over the age of 65, making the retirees eligible for both programs with Medicare as the primary payer and TRICARE as the secondary payer.

Day is an active member of the Florida Republican Party, was actively involved in the 527 group Swift Vets and POWs for Truth, and actively campaigned with John McCain in 2000 and 2008.


Medal of Honor citation

    Rank and organization: Colonel (then Major), U.S. Air Force, Forward Air Controller Pilot of an F-100 aircraft.
    Place and date: North Vietnam, 26 August 1967.
    Entered service at: Sioux City, Iowa.
    Born: 24 February 1925, Sioux City, Iowa.

    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 3 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.



 Air Force Cross citation

    The Air Force Cross is presented to George Everett Day, Colonel, United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 16 July 1969 to 14 October 1969. During this period, Colonel Day was subjected to maximum punishment and torture by Vietnamese guards to obtain a detailed confession of escape plans, policies, and orders of the American senior ranking officer in the camp, and the communications methods used by the Americans interned in the camp. Colonel Day withstood this punishment and gave nothing of value to the Vietnamese, although he sustained many injuries and open wounds to his body. Through his extraordinary heroism and willpower, in the face of the enemy, Colonel Day reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. 



Thank you sir, for your service and sacrifice for our country!

Please remember the Canteen is here to honor, support and entertain our troops and their families.  This is a politics-free zone!  Thanks for helping us in our mission!


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Extended News; Free Republic
KEYWORDS: canteen; military; troopsupport
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To: All
Good morning/afternoon/evening/night Troops, wherever you are.

Thank you for doing your part to help keep all of us free and safe.

Coffee is always on........

How about a donut?

Cookies?

Veggies?

Sandwich?


81 posted on 11/09/2009 1:26:16 AM PST by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: Jet Jaguar; Laurita; CMS; OneLoyalAmerican; tongue-tied; Defender2; txradioguy; MEG33; ...
God bless and keep safe our troops worldwide.

Good night.


Statler Brothers ~ How Great Thou Art


82 posted on 11/09/2009 1:28:04 AM PST by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: Kathy in Alaska; StarCMC
A very pleasant good morning to everyone at the Canteen and to all our military at home and abroad. Thanks for your service to our country.

((HUGS))Good morning, Ladies. Thanks for this morning's thread, Star. How's it going?

83 posted on 11/09/2009 2:58:39 AM PST by E.G.C.
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To: AZamericonnie

((HUGS))Good morning, AZ. How’s it going?


84 posted on 11/09/2009 2:59:19 AM PST by E.G.C.
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To: Kathy in Alaska

BTTT


85 posted on 11/09/2009 2:59:43 AM PST by E.G.C.
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To: Kathy in Alaska

Good morning Kathy. (35)


86 posted on 11/09/2009 3:11:17 AM PST by Pusterfuss (I will give your president the same respect you gave mine.)
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To: All; Kathy in Alaska; StarCMC; beachn4fun; Arrowhead1952
Good Morning To The Canteen


To All Who Are Serving Our Country



*THANK YOU*

It's been sprinking here...nothing serious.
Wishing you a great Monday

87 posted on 11/09/2009 4:55:19 AM PST by MEG33 (God Bless Our Military Men And Women)
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To: MEG33; Kathy in Alaska; txradioguy; beachn4fun; StarCMC; Lady Jag; trussell; LUV W; ValerieTexas; ..














Good morning to everyone at the Canteen.
I'll repost the time and temp bars.


88 posted on 11/09/2009 5:02:53 AM PST by Arrowhead1952 (I am tired of being PC. It's time for torches, pitchforks, tar, feathers and GUNS.)
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To: StarCMC; Kathy in Alaska; E.G.C.; GodBlessUSA; LUV W; Arrowhead1952; unique; Radix; HiJinx; ...

Good morning, Everyone. Good morning to our

AWESOME

Military, our Allies, and their families.

THANK YOU for all you do.

Thank you, Star, for preparing the Canteen for today’s activities.

KUDOs to Bud Day for his service and sacrifice.

DC Metroland weather report

~ Today...Partly cloudy. High 72F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.

~ Tonight... Mostly cloudy skies. Low 52F. Winds light and variable.

Oh well, FR seems to be taking forever to cycle so I am moving into the lurker-mode until lunchtime. I've got some catching up to do now that I'm back in the office.

Oh BTW, I think what I have/had is some sort of respiratory virus. I found out my dad had something similar and this is what the doctor told them. Similar to allergy (?) with congestion and mild cough, no energy and don't run fever.

Better but still have some congestion/sinus and lack of energy.

Time for me to make my rounds. But, you stay right where you are. Don't touch that dial. Don't change that channel. Put down that remote. Don't leave the room. Keep your eyes on your monitor. Cause...............I'll be bock!

Now remember, the Canteen is ALWAYS

Come on in and sit for a while.
There's always plenty of coffee, pancakes, conversation, silliness,
and plain old BS

REMEMBER THEM

DEFENDERS OF FREEDOM

FR CANTEEN MISSION STATEMENT

Showing support and boosting the morale of our military and our allied military and the family members of the above. Honoring those who have served before.



89 posted on 11/09/2009 7:00:33 AM PST by beachn4fun (In search of a good agent and publisher. Inquire within.)
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To: beachn4fun

((HUGS))Good morning, Beach. How’s it going?


90 posted on 11/09/2009 7:29:07 AM PST by E.G.C.
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To: Redleg Duke

Had it not been for Day jacking-up McCain....


91 posted on 11/09/2009 7:33:27 AM PST by onedoug
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To: Pusterfuss

Goodm morning, Pusterfuss...((HUGS))...21 here with almost 5 inches on the ground. I’m out the door to shovel a path. Have a good Monday.


92 posted on 11/09/2009 7:46:57 AM PST by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: beachn4fun; Kathy in Alaska

93 posted on 11/09/2009 8:02:17 AM PST by unique
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To: beachn4fun

Good morning, Beachy! *HUGS* Stunningly beautiful day yesterday!


94 posted on 11/09/2009 8:06:18 AM PST by ConorMacNessa (HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines, RVN 1969. St. Michael the Archangel defend us in battle!)
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To: E.G.C.

Good morning, E...((HUGS))...winter arrived last night with snow all evening and overnight...4-5 inches of it.


95 posted on 11/09/2009 8:43:51 AM PST by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: B.O. Plenty

Welcome to the Canteen, B.O. Plenty....our heroes!


96 posted on 11/09/2009 8:51:26 AM PST by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: The Mayor

Happy Monday, Mayor...thanks for today’s sustenance for body and soul. The first snow has arrived.


97 posted on 11/09/2009 8:53:42 AM PST by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: Pappy Smear

Welcome to the Canteen, Pappy Smear....he really made sure he made something of his live. Thanks for sharing.


98 posted on 11/09/2009 8:57:41 AM PST by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: Kathy in Alaska

Thanks Kathy!

{{HUGS}}


99 posted on 11/09/2009 9:54:28 AM PST by blackie (Be Well~Be Armed~Be Safe~Molon Labe!)
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To: beachn4fun
Hiya Beachie!!

I wasn't able to get on FR earlier, so a late good day to you!!

Rain and more rain here and more expected, oh well.

Have a great day!!

100 posted on 11/09/2009 11:36:48 AM PST by PROCON (Liberal: Proof you can fool some of the people all of the time.)
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