Bud Day facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bud Day
Colonel (later Brigadier General) Bud Day
Birth name	George Everette Day
Nickname(s)	Bud
Born	(1925-02-24)February 24, 1925 Sioux City, Iowa, U.S.
Died	July 27, 2013(2013-07-27) (aged 88) Fort Walton Beach, Florida, U.S.
Buried	Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola, Florida, U.S. New Area, Sec. 51, #30 (30°21′30″N 87°17′39″W / 30.35847°N 87.29415°W / 30.35847; -87.29415)
Allegiance	United States
Service/branch	United States Marine Corps (1942–45) United States Army (1946–49) Iowa Air National Guard (1950–55) United States Air Force (1955–77)
Years of service	1942–1977
Rank	Colonel Brigadier General (posthumous)
Unit	33rd Fighter Wing 55th Fighter Bomber Squadron 559th Strategic Fighter Squadron 3d Light Antiaircraft Missile Battalion
Commands held	416th Fighter Squadron
Battles/wars	World War II Korean War Vietnam War
Awards	Medal of Honor Air Force Cross Air Force Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star Legion of Merit (2) Distinguished Flying Cross Bronze Star Medal (4, 3 with "V" device) Purple Heart (4) Full list
Other work	Author, Return with Honor Partner, Day and Meade (law firm)

George Everette "Bud" Day (born February 24, 1925 – died July 27, 2013) was a brave officer and pilot in the United States Air Force. He fought in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

Bud Day was also a prisoner of war (POW) and received the highest military awards. These include the Medal of Honor and the Air Force Cross. He is the only person to have ever received both of these special awards.

After his death, he was given the higher rank of brigadier general. This happened on March 27, 2018. Bud Day earned over 70 awards and medals during his career. Many people consider him the most decorated U.S. military officer since Douglas MacArthur.

Early Life and Education

Bud Day was born in Sioux City, Iowa, on February 24, 1925. In 1942, he left high school to join the United States Marine Corps (USMC).

After World War II, Day used a program called the G.I. Bill to go to college. He earned a science degree from Morningside College. Then he went to law school at the University of South Dakota School of Law. He became a lawyer in South Dakota in 1949. Later in life, he also earned other advanced degrees.

Military Career

Day joined the USMC on December 10, 1942. He spent 30 months in the North Pacific during World War II. He was part of a gun battery on Johnston Island but did not see direct combat. He left the Marines on November 24, 1945.

On December 11, 1946, Day joined the Army Reserve. He served there until December 10, 1949. Then, on May 17, 1950, he became a second lieutenant in the Iowa Air National Guard. He was called to active duty with the U.S. Air Force in March 1951. He earned his pilot wings in September 1952.

Flying in the Korean War

From February 1953 to August 1955, during the Korean War, Day flew as a fighter-bomber pilot. He flew the Republic F-84 Thunderjet in the 559th Strategic Fighter Squadron. He was promoted to captain and decided to stay in the Air Force.

In 1957, he trained to fly the F-100 Super Sabre in the United Kingdom. During this time, his jet caught fire, and he had to bail out. His parachute did not open correctly, but he survived the fall. He said a 30-foot pine tree helped cushion his landing.

Vietnam War and Prisoner of War

In April 1967, Major Day volunteered to serve in South Vietnam. He was assigned to the 31st Tactical Fighter Wing. He had already flown over 5,000 hours, mostly in fighter jets. On June 25, 1967, Major Day became the first commander of a special unit. This unit used F-100F jets to act as "Fast FACs" (Forward Air Controllers). They flew over dangerous areas in Laos and North Vietnam. Their call sign was "Misty," named after Day's favorite song.

Captured by the Enemy

On August 26, 1967, Major Day was flying a "Misty" mission. His F-100F jet was hit by enemy antiaircraft fire. This forced him and his co-pilot to eject from the plane. Day's right arm was broken in three places when he hit the cockpit. He also hurt his eye and back.

His co-pilot was rescued, but Day could not reach the rescue helicopter. He was quickly captured by North Vietnamese local soldiers. Five nights later, despite his serious injuries, Day managed to escape. He walked for 12 to 15 days, trying to reach safety. He crossed back into South Vietnam, even though he had no boots or flight suit.

Just two miles from a U.S. Marine base, he was captured again. This time, a Viet Cong patrol shot him in the leg and hand. He was taken back to his first camp. For escaping, he was treated very harshly, and his right arm was broken again.

Life in Prison Camps

Day was moved to several prison camps near Hanoi. He faced difficult conditions, including beatings and starvation. In December 1967, he shared a cell with Navy Lieutenant Commander John McCain, who later became a senator. Another Air Force officer, Major Norris Overly, helped both of them recover. McCain even made a makeshift splint for Day's injured arm.

On March 14, 1973, Bud Day was finally released. He had been a prisoner for five years and seven months. Three days later, he was reunited with his wife, Doris, and their four children. On March 4, 1976, President Gerald Ford awarded Day the Medal of Honor for his incredible bravery as a prisoner.

While he was a prisoner, Day was promoted to lieutenant colonel and then to colonel. He decided to stay in the Air Force. After a year of physical therapy, he was able to fly again. He became the vice commander of the 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing in Florida.

Day later said about his time as a prisoner, "As awful as it sounds, no one could say we did not do well. ...[Being a POW] was a major issue in my life and one that I am extremely proud of."

Retirement and Later Life

Day retired from the Air Force in 1977. He then went back to practicing law in Florida. By the time he retired, he had flown nearly 8,000 hours. He had piloted many different types of fighter jets.

After retiring, Day wrote a book about his experiences as a prisoner of war called Return with Honor. He also wrote Duty, Honor, Country, which updated his life story. In 1996, he helped file a lawsuit for military retirees. This lawsuit was about their promised free lifetime medical care benefits. Even though they won the case at first, the decision was later overturned. However, Congress later created a program called TRICARE for Life. This program helped restore medical benefits for retired military members over 65.

Posthumous Promotion

On June 8, 2018, Bud Day was officially promoted to brigadier general after his death. This special ceremony took place at the Air Force Memorial in Virginia. His widow, Doris Day, attended the event. His former cellmate, John McCain, had suggested this promotion.

Personal Life and Legacy

Bud Day lived in Shalimar, Florida. He had 14 grandchildren and was a member of the Lutheran Church.

He passed away on July 27, 2013, at his home. He was buried on August 1 at Barrancas National Cemetery in Florida.

John McCain said about Day, "He was the bravest man I ever knew, and his fierce resistance and resolute leadership set the example for us in prison of how to return home with honor."

Honors and Recognition

Many places and structures have been named after Bud Day to honor him.

• On March 14, 1997, a new building at Fairchild Air Force Base was named in his honor.
• In 2002, the airport in his hometown, Sioux City, Iowa, was renamed Sioux Gateway Airport/Colonel Bud Day Field.
• On May 7, 2010, a visiting officers quarters (VOQ) at Goodfellow Air Force Base was named Day Manor.
• A part of State Road 397 near Eglin Air Force Base was named Col. Bud Day Boulevard on October 12, 2010.
• In May 2014, an overpass in Florida was named "Colonel Bud Day Overpass."
• On January 4, 2008, he received the Spirit of Freedom Award.
• On March 15, 2014, he was chosen as the "class exemplar" for the Class of 2017 at the United States Air Force Academy. This honor meant he represented the Air Force's core values: integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do.
• He was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame on October 1, 2016.
• A road in Sikeston, Missouri, was named after him. Its name was changed to Gen. George E. Day Parkway after his posthumous promotion.

As of 2013, Bud Day was the only person to have received both the Medal of Honor and the Air Force Cross. He is known as one of the most decorated airmen in history.

Awards and Decorations

• Plus, Brig Gen Day was wearing one unidentified badge on his right pocket.

See Also

• List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Vietnam War