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DAY, GEORGE E.

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.

1 posted on 10/04/2007 3:35:10 PM PDT by mdittmar
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To: mdittmar
Superb commentary..thanks for posting.

On a related note, I just watch the Fox News report on the Dems attempt to smear Blackwater. I think there is one thing that the company should do immediately..change its name to Whitewater!!!

2 posted on 10/04/2007 3:39:00 PM PDT by ken5050
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To: mdittmar; ExTexasRedhead

Excellent commentary by a true hero!


3 posted on 10/04/2007 3:43:19 PM PDT by dynachrome (“Third world indigenous medicine for third world illegal aliens!!!”)
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To: mdittmar

God bless you Colonel Day. The Pajama Patrol covers your back today.

4 posted on 10/04/2007 3:44:36 PM PDT by MarineBrat (My wife and I took an AIDS vaccination that the Church offers.)
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To: mdittmar

Bump for Col. Bud Day, an American hero!


5 posted on 10/04/2007 3:45:00 PM PDT by jazusamo (DefendOurMarines.com)
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To: mdittmar

http://www.vvlf.org/default.php?page_id=29

They have my support..


7 posted on 10/04/2007 3:57:21 PM PDT by vietvet67
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To: mdittmar
mdittmar, thanks for posting that bio. I found this.

Reflecting on his time in captivity, Day says, "Freedom has a special taste!

8 posted on 10/04/2007 3:57:29 PM PDT by notaliberal
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To: mdittmar; Calpernia; 1stbn27; 2111USMC; 2nd Bn, 11th Mar; 68 grunt; A.A. Cunningham; ASOC; ...

I VOW
to the 58,000 + Brothers and Sisters
on
The Viet Nam Wall
who never came home
and to those who died at home
from injuries and from broken hearts.
I will do everything I LEGALLY can to expose Hanoi Kerry once and for all.
I will not tire,
I will not falter,
and I will not fail.
I solemnly vow to do all I can
to restore your honor
until
I give
my last breath on earth.
68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub



I VOW
to the Sons, and Daughters, Nieces and Nephews, Brothers and Sisters, Husband and Wives, Friends, Fathers and Mothers, Uncles and Aunts
who never came home
and to those who died at home
from injuries and from broken hearts.
I will do everything I LEGALLY can to expose john murtha once and for all.
I will not tire,
I will not falter,
and I will not fail.
I solemnly vow to do all I can
to protect your honor
until
I give
my last breath on earth.


9 posted on 10/04/2007 4:05:52 PM PDT by freema
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To: mdittmar
Before the 2004 election I watched Stolen Honor with a group of friends, including a democrat couple. After the movie was over my friend, a Marine Vietnam vet, asked them "Are you still going to vote for that traitor?". The male said "I don't know if I can believe those guys", the wife was so mad at the "unfair treatment of the 'hero' kerry that she could hardly speak. Needless to say they voted for kerry.

Thank you Col. Day for your continuing inspiration and courage.

10 posted on 10/04/2007 4:23:03 PM PDT by Eagles6
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To: mdittmar

Col Day speaks the truth. He is one tough Son of America! Despite all the political hate in our country, you owe it to yourself (and him) to listen to his warning.


13 posted on 10/04/2007 5:32:38 PM PDT by ghostrider
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To: The Bat Lady

Bud Day ping...


16 posted on 10/04/2007 7:46:49 PM PDT by TheSarce
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