BUD DAY POSTHUMOUSLY PROMOTED

The U.S. Air Force has posthumously promoted former Fort Walton Beach attorney and Medal of Honor recipient Colonel George “Bud” Day to the rank of brigadier general. Day died July 28, 2013, at age 88. As a fighter pilot, Day was shot down over Vietnam and spent more five years as prisoner of war sharing a cell with U.S. Sen. John McCain. His major decorations include the Medal of Honor, the Air Force Cross, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star, 2 Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, 4 Bronze Star Medals and 4 Purple Hearts. Day later became an attorney and advocated for military retirees and veterans to secure health benefits they were promised by recruiters. Congressman Matt Gaetz’s office said The ceremony was held Friday at Arlington National Cemetery’s Air Force Memorial.