Bud Day — U.S. Air Force officer, Medal of Honor recipient and POW

Military service and career

Day began his military life during World War II as an enlisted Marine in the South Pacific, serving for more than two years in that theater. Between wars he served in Army reserve and National Guard units. Later he became an officer in the United States Air Force, flying missions in the Vietnam War. His service thus spanned three different branches of the U.S. military across three major conflicts — an uncommon trajectory for a 20th-century American combat veteran.

Capture, resistance and repatriation

On August 26, 1967, Day was shot down over North Vietnam. He was captured and held for approximately seven years, until his repatriation in 1973. During his captivity he became known among fellow prisoners for leadership under severe conditions and for resisting enemy interrogation and indoctrination efforts. His conduct during detention formed a central part of accounts of his character and later writings.

Awards, recognition and writings

For actions spanning his wartime service and while a prisoner, Day was awarded the Medal of Honor and the Air Force Cross, among other decorations. As of the mid-2010s he remained unique for receiving both of those top-level Air Force and national awards. Details of specific citations describe extraordinary courage, leadership and sacrifice in combat and captivity. After returning to civilian life he wrote about his experiences in the autobiographies Return With Honor and Duty, Honor, Country, which recount his military career and time as a POW.

Legacy and notable facts

• Day served in three major conflicts: World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, and in three separate services during his career.
• He was held as a prisoner of war for nearly seven years following his 1967 shootdown and was repatriated in 1973.
• He received both the Medal of Honor and the Air Force Cross, and later recognition elevated him to the rank of brigadier general posthumously.

Day's life and service remain subjects of study for those interested in military history, leadership under duress, and the experiences of American POWs. His story is referenced in historical summaries of the Korean and Vietnam eras and in discussions about military decorations and veteran affairs related to long-term captivity and repatriation.

For context on the conflicts in which he served see general resources about the Korean War and the broader Vietnam conflict, and for information on POW policies and honors consult standard military history references or official military channels.