Posted on 07/28/2013 12:01:01 PM PDT by OddLane
Col. Bud Day, an Air Force fighter pilot who was shot down in the Vietnam War, imprisoned with John McCain in the notorious “Hanoi Hilton,” and defiantly endured more than five years of brutality without divulging sensitive information to his captors, earning him the Medal of Honor, died Saturday in Shalimar, Fla. He was 88.
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
Didn’t notice the earlier posting. My apologies.
I read the article to remember his heroism. Godspeed, sir.
The sacrifice he and others made for this country only to see it handed to the commies is just a low down dirty shame. Prayers for his family.
Sen. McCain should emulate the example set by Col. Day.
My husband’s cousin, Tom, died today, also...he was a Vietnam vet who flew helicopters there...he was 67
True. Prayers for Col. Day and his loved ones.
One of my uncles is also a vet who was stationed there.
Not a pilot though.
BTTT!
When Bud was in the States before he went to Vietnam my father had the priviledge of being his crew chief with the 136th Fighter Interceptor Squadron,New York Air National Guard at Niagara Falls, New York.
I met Bud when he was practicing law at Fort Walton Beach, Fl, got him to sign my copy of his book.
He called himself Bud when he returned to civilian life because his tormentors in the Hilton, especially "The Rat", tormented him with his name every time they beat and mistreated him..
We will miss Bud Day, and the man that he was.
May Tom and Bud Rest In Peace.
RIP, sir.
A true American hero, in a day when that title is tossed around far too loosely.
McCain should thank Bud Day every day of his life for endorsing McCain’s conduct as a POW.
I’m not sure what he saw in McCain, but if Bud Day said it, then I guess it should be good enough for me.
RIP to a true hero.
Just in case you missed this. Col Bud Day — RIP
I lost a lifelong friend Saturday also, Viet Nam vet, under treatment for Agent Orange. Died in his sleep.
Rest in Peace, Hero.
Rank and organization: Colonel (then Major), U.S. Air Force, Forward Air Controller Pilot of an F-100 aircraft.
Place and date: North Vietnam, August 26, 1967.
Entered service at: Sioux City, Iowa.
Born: February 24, 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.
Thanks for the ping. May he rest in peace.
[[[[Sen. McCain should emulate the example set by Col. Day.]]]
Retire and go to Florida? I agree.
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