Colonel George “Bud” Day
United States Air Force | Medal of Honor | Vietnam POW
Name: George Everette “Bud” Day
Rank: Colonel
Branch: United States Air Force
Born: February 24, 1925 – Sioux City, Iowa
Died: July 27, 2013 – Shalimar, Florida
Vietnam War Service
Colonel Bud Day was one of the toughest combat pilots of the Vietnam War.
Flying F-100 Super Sabre missions, he led a Misty Forward Air Control squadron, identifying enemy targets and guiding strike aircraft under extremely dangerous conditions.
On August 26, 1967, Day’s aircraft was hit by enemy fire over North Vietnam.
He ejected and landed with:
• a broken arm
• a badly injured knee
• multiple other wounds
The Escape Attempt
After capture, Day was placed in a prison camp near the Laotian border.
Despite his injuries, he escaped into the jungle and attempted to reach South Vietnam on foot.
For two weeks, he survived in the jungle while evading enemy patrols before being recaptured.
For this escape attempt, he was severely beaten and tortured.
Years of Captivity
Bud Day spent more than five and a half years as a prisoner of war, much of it in the infamous Hanoi Hilton prison.
Despite brutal conditions, he became one of the strongest leaders among American POWs.
Decorations
Bud Day is among the most decorated American servicemen since World War II, receiving:
• Medal of Honor
• Air Force Cross
• Silver Star
• Purple Heart
• numerous other awards
Final Tribute
Colonel Bud Day’s courage, endurance, and refusal to surrender became legendary among fellow prisoners.
Even in captivity, he remained a warrior.
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