[Graybeard58]

Snow-haired Bud Day, a 79-year-old former POW, stands at attention. He is wearing a brown leather flight jacket befitting an Air Force major, complemented by the Medal of Honor around his neck

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.

Makes Kerry's medals look a little cheap doesn't it?

[Lancey Howard]

Great, great post.
Now let's see.... should I vote with Bud Day or with Michael Moore?

[Avenger]

Vietnam Veteran's day is Nov 2nd

[SkyPilot]

Thanks for posting the bio on Col "Bud" Day. I read the whole article from the Washington Times. Great piece.

The only thing they did get wrong, as you pointed out, was that Day was a Major when he was captured, but he was promoted to full bird Colonel (0-6) while he was in captivity.

His wife was able to let him know of his promotion by very clever means. The Vietcong torturers who held him would not let this news come to him openly. So, his wife sent him a care package. The Vietnamese raided it and ate many of the items, but left the packaging.

The packages his wife sent all had a reference to an eagle. Eagle milk, eagle toothpaste, eagle nail clippers, etc.

Day figured it out and laughed like hell in his cell.

[GretchenM]

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.

It is humbling to know that our country, her fathers and mothers, produce men such as this.

The second sentence of the quote is a painful contrast to the senator who would like to be president.

[Conservative4Ever]

I weep when I read of these brave men. My older brother proudly served in Vietnam in the Marine Corp. He's currently an ROTC instructor shaping new brave young men and women to serve. He also despises Kerry.
Kerry's four months in Vietnam was self-serving compared to what these other brave men endured. My prayers and thanks to all of them.

Red