The Department of Defense keeps this citation in their records for Colonel Day:
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.[19]
Colonel Day was invited on behalf of the Scott-Carroll Inaugural team to attend the Military Appreciation: Honoring Those Who Serve event. The event featured renowned country artists John Michael Montgomery, Aaron Tippin and even Lee Greenwood.
The ability to meet and talk to one of this country's greatest warriors is a truly humbling experience. Here is a man who has given far more to this country than any of my generation's "heroes" like movie stars or singers. Here is a man who was willing to -- in the face of imminent death -- defy his captors and hold true to his values of Americanism and keep this country above and beyond himself.
Here is a man who was willing to break out of a prisoner camp to seek American help, only to be recaptured and tortured even further and yet not let his spirit break. A man who not only earned but deserves the salutes of all of those who have served, and the thanks of every single person in this great country of ours.
Here's to Colonel Day, a modern day hero in a post-modern day society.
