DAY, GEORGE E.
Rank and organization: Colonel (then Major), U.S. Air Force,
Forward Air Controller Pilot of an F-100 aircraft
Place: North Vietnam
Date: 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 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.
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