Pilot Bud Day: Iowa Time Machine July 27, 2013

Iowa Time Machine ⏰: On July 27, 2013, legendary pilot George “Bud” Day passed away. Born in Sioux City, Day became one of the most decorated airmen in history, renowned for his valor, resilience, and leadership across three major wars.

Day’s journey began when he dropped out of high school during World War II to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps at the age of 17, serving 30 months in the South Pacific. After the war, he returned home, earned a college degree from Morningside College, and a law degree through the G.I. Bill. He then continued his military career by joining the Iowa Air National Guard in 1950.

Day saw combat as a pilot during the Korean War, flying the F-84 Thunderjet over two tours. After a remarkable brush with death (surviving a parachute failure when bailing out of a burning jet), he committed to an Air Force career that demanded both bravery and skill. By the Vietnam War, Day was a seasoned officer and was appointed the first commander of the Misty Forward Air Controllers, a unit tasked with the perilous work of supporting air attacks over North Vietnam. 

His legendary fortitude was most evident following his shootdown over North Vietnam in August 1967. Seriously injured and captured, Day endured repeated, brutal torture but steadfastly resisted his captors. Remarkably, he escaped captivity, surviving on fruit and raw frogs as he covered 25 miles despite his injuries, only to be recaptured mere miles from friendly lines. Enduring even more severe punishment afterward, Day never revealed valuable information, and his spirit provided crucial support to fellow prisoners. After 67 harrowing months as a prisoner of war, Day was released in 1973, the severe physical and psychological wounds unable to shake his commitment to service. With extraordinary determination, he returned to flight status and resumed his Air Force duties, eventually retiring as vice commander of the 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing. Day’s heroism was recognized with the Medal of Honor and Air Force Cross. #IowaOTD #IowaHistoryDaily #IowaHistoryCalendar