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Decorated War Hero Bud Day Passes Away
July 29, 2013
Retired Col. Bud Day passed away Saturday at his home. He was 88.
Day is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and command pilot who served in active service in World War II and the Vietnam War. Shot down in an air strike in North Vietnam, he was a prisoner of war for five years and seven months during which time he shared a cell with U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ).
“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,” McCain said in a statement Sunday.
Day is often cited as being the most decorated U.S. service member since General Douglas MacArthur, having received nearly 70 decorations, a majority for actions in combat. Day is a recipient of the Medal of Honor.
“Day was a patriot in the truest sense of the word. He worked tirelessly for veterans and never backed down to a challenge. He was the most distinguished of warriors and a most loving husband and father. Col. Bud Day was a national treasure and a shining example of bravery. Our community will miss his unwavering perseverance, his limitless patriotism, and his enduring optimism for the future of America,” Rep. Jeff Miller said Sunday.
Comments
8 Responses to “Decorated War Hero Bud Day Passes Away”
Colonel Bud Day is a great American hero ! Unfortunately, Inever met him , but reading about his life , especially as a POW in a horrible Communist North Vietnamese prison camp where he endured horribble tortures for amost six years, I ask myself howmany peole could have survive this . He even saved many comrades’ lives ( including Sen. John MCCain).
Being very attached to the U.S Air Force and U.S Army ( I was in the Army Reserves and R.O.T.C as a young student) , I feel so much respect and my prayers go out to his beloved family ad God bless his soul. Colonel Bud Day should be never forgotten by the American people since he had great faith in his country§ A great patriot!
I would have loved to sit in his presence and listen to the stories of his life. Can you imagine? Wow, I would have hung on his every word. Blessings to his dear family. He was a true American Hero!
Some People Complain About How Rough They’ve Had It – Look What This MAN / HERO Went Through & He Made It. Survived 10 Days After His Plane Was Hit In Vietnam Before He Was Captured , Surviving In the Jungle For 10 Days – How Many Of Us Could Do That ! Bud Day Is A True American Hero …
What beautiful comments .. And thank you NorthEscambia for posting the article.
One of this country’s top hero’s. A very brave man and he will always be remembered. I salute you Colonel Bud.
I had the privilege of meeting Colonel Day, when he was assigned to the 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing in the early 70’s. I remember it being a morning when I was walking to the main headquarter building, and he was walking to the Maintenance Headquarters building, and our paths crossed. I did the normal salute, but for some reason, he stopped to ask how my day was going. We talked for a few minutes and then he was on his way. I had several encounters with Colonel Day after that, and he never fail to say hello to me. Being a young airman at the time, I felt very special a full bird Colonel would even remember a young airman, but he seem to remember me and acknowledge me with return salute and how are you doing!! Just a memory of my days gone by!!
Colonel “Bud” epitomizes the meaning of the words, Brave, Patriot, & American Hero. Thank you Colonel for your service and sacrifices. May you rest in peace and I salute you.
Col. Day was a hero and a inspiration to all airmen. He truly had a love for America and took pride in his service to this nation. I only met him once and he made a strong impression on me. He spoke at my PME graduation and his words were profound. His leadership and example made me be a better person and appreciate the freedoms I enjoy. He paid a heavy price for all of us and he will truly be missed.
God speed colonel, I respectfully offer A final farewell salute to you.