Col. Day, one of America's most decorated heroes has passed at 88. Col. Day was shot down in Vietnam in 1967 and spent 6 years as a POW in Vietnam's infamous "Hanoi Hilton".
I've always been struck by that name, the Hanoi Hilton. It just says "balls" to me, that men could endure such torture and still mock it.
Col. Day was a veteran of WWII, Korea and Vietnam. His Medal of Honor citation reads:
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.
Here is a video of Col. Day's F-100F Super Sabre flight with the Collings Foundation, 40 years after his ordeal in Vietnam. (via Andy). The restored aircraft was rendered with the markings of his airplane in Vietnam, Misty 1. It's impressive and inspiring.
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