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United Services Automobile Association

200px
Type	Reciprocal
Industry	Financial Services
Founded	1922 (1922)
Headquarters	San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
Number of locations	11 financial centers [1]
Key people	Lt. General John H. Moellering, USA (Ret.) (Chairman) Maj. General Josue Robles Jr., USA (Ret.) (CEO)
Products	Insurance, Banking, Investments, Retirement, Financial Planning
Revenue	USD 19.036 billion (2011)[2]
Net income	USD 2.128 billion (2011)[2]
Total assets	USD 104.352 billion (2011)[2]
Total equity	USD 20.040 billion (2011)[2]
Employees	~23,400 (2011)[2]
Website	www.usaa.com

United Services Automobile Association (USAA) is a Texas-based, and Texas Department of Insurance regulated^[3], unincorporated, reciprocal inter-insurance exchange and Fortune 500^[4] financial services company offering banking, investing, and insurance to people and families that serve, or served, in the United States military. At the end of 2011, there were 8.8 million members.^[2] 2.5 million of the total of 8.4 million members were subscribing members who have about $7-8 each on deposit with the exchange to guarantee its financial capabilities.^{[citation needed]} The company reported a surplus [not Net Worth] of $19.3 billion in 2011.^[5]

USAA was founded in 1922 by a group of U.S. Army officers to self-insure each other when they were unable to secure auto insurance due to the perception that they were a high-risk group.^[6] USAA has since expanded to offer banking and insurance services to past and present members of the Armed Forces and their immediate families"

The company was one of the pioneers of direct marketing and most of its business is conducted over the Internet or telephone using employees instead of agents.

History[link]

The organization was originally called the United States Army Automobile Association. In 1924, the name was changed to United Services Automobile Association, when members of other military services became eligible for membership. The company opened offices in Frankfurt, Germany, and London, England early in its history.

USAA is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, occupying 286 acres (116 ha) (a former horse farm)^[7] in a large single-occupancy office building.^[8]

The company was one of the pioneers of direct marketing and most of its business is conducted over the Internet or telephone using employees instead of agents. Until the 1960s the bulk of its business was conducted via mail. In the late 1960s USAA began a transition from mail to phone based sales and service. A toll-free number was launched in 1978, and Internet sales and service were launched in 1999 via its website.

The organization started offering homeowner's and life insurance in the 1960s, and brokerage and banking services in the 1980s.

In 1996, eligibility was extended to enlisted personnel.^[9]

Lines of business[link]

Property, casualty, and life insurance[link]

USAA offers a range of personal property and casualty (P&C) insurance, including automobile insurance, homeowner insurance, renters insurance, valuable personal property insurance, and umbrella insurance. In addition to P&C insurance, USAA provides whole life insurance, term life insurance, and annuities. USAA's life insurance policies, while not completely unique in the industry, are different from most offerings since they do not include a war-exclusion clause^[10] (also known as a "war clause").

Banking[link]

Banking services are provided by the USAA Federal Savings Bank. The bank was established on December 30, 1983. According to the FDIC, as of June 2011, the bank held over $43.8 billion in deposits with more than 6.3 million accounts.^[11]

The bank's main financial center in San Antonio is its only full-service banking location. It operates limited-service financial centers in other cities, usually near military bases, which provide advice and assistance in obtaining services and opening accounts online. These limited service locations cannot process deposits or withdrawals, but ATMs located on site do allow customers to make monetary transactions.^[12][13]

Services can be accessed in person, by mail, by phone, or through the internet. USAA Federal Savings Bank provides members the ability to deposit checks into their accounts by using mobile applications on both the iPhone^[14] and mobile devices with Google's Android operating system.^[15] With USAA's Deposit@Home feature, checks can be deposited at home using a computer scanner,^[16] and some locations of the UPS Store can accept non-cash deposits into USAA accounts.^[17] USAA also offers ATM fee rebates, free standard checks for the life of the account, free online bill pay, and bank-by-mail services. USAA was one of the few major banks to begin offering American Express cards in 2006 in addition to their traditional offering of Mastercard.^[18]

Major banking competitors include Bank of America-Military Bank, Pentagon Federal Credit Union,^[19] and the Navy Federal Credit Union.

Investing and financial planning[link]

USAA provides a limited discount brokerage service and a family of no-load mutual funds. Mutual funds established by other companies can also be purchased and held in USAA investing accounts. USAA also offers limited free financial planning advice, as well as a more thorough flat-fee or hourly-rate financial planning service.

Other business[link]

Through its Alliance Services Company (ASC), USAA runs a mail-order catalog service specializing in the sale of diamonds and jewelry. In addition, the ASC secures a variety of discounted services for members. These include travel-related services through rental car alliances with Avis Budget Group and Hertz Corporation, as well as discounts on cruise travel. Their retail alliances also include partnerships with FTD,^[20] FedEx, and ADT Security Services.^[21]

For its own investment purposes, USAA operates a real estate company^[22] which has holdings including major office buildings, industrial buildings, hotels, and other properties throughout the country.

Target market[link]

USAA's mission statement indicates its focus is to serve its niche market, which consists of members of the U.S. military and their immediate families. To that end, they have always marketed directly to members of the U.S. military. USAA membership is offered to officers and enlisted personnel, including those on active duty, those in the National Guard and Reserve, Officer candidates in commissioning programs (Academy, ROTC, OCS/OTS) and all those who have served in the aforementioned categories and who have retired or have been discharged honorably.^[23][24] Children of USAA members are also eligible to purchase USAA's P&C insurance products, and former members of USAA are allowed to resume membership at any time (without an age limit).

Eligibility can be determined using its website;^[25] however, the site does not contain a comprehensive statement of eligibility. USAA has, in the past, published a list^[26] of other eligible persons including special agents of the FBI and Secret Service, agents of the various military investigative services (NCIS, OSI, CI and CID), U.S. Foreign Service Officers, and officers from a variety of other smaller agencies. Recently, USAA has been sharpening its focus on members of the military. So, people working for certain non-military agencies that were accommodated in the past may find that they are no longer eligible.^[27]

Historically, only U.S. military officers (among certain other federally sworn officers) were eligible to join USAA, with descendants of USAA members able to purchase insurance from USAA-CIC. It did not matter if one was an active duty or retired officer; one could join at any time. In 1973, membership was opened to members of the National Guard and Reserves, and in 1996, eligibility was expanded to enlisted members of the armed services. As the number of persons who have served on active duty in an enlisted status in the U.S. Armed Forces is quite large, USAA chose to limit the establishment of eligibility to those who were currently on active duty or who had recently separated. The same time limit on establishment of eligibility was then applied to military officers. As USAA's capacity for taking on new members expanded, eligibility criteria relaxed. In 2008, USAA expanded membership eligibility to all military personnel and retirees, and all veterans who separated after 1996.^[23] In November 2009, USAA expanded eligibility requirements to offer coverage to anyone who has ever served honorably in the US Military.^[24]

Auto and property insurance and some banking services require that the customer meet membership eligibility criteria. USAA investment products^[28] as well as deposit-only banking services^[29] are available to non-members.^[30]

Of the top ten automobile insurance competitors, USAA is the only provider that restricts service to members of the United States military and their immediate families.^[31]

Legal structure[link]

One of the characteristics that allows USAA to operate differently than almost every other Fortune 500 company is that it is not a corporation. The parent company, United Services Automobile Association, is an inter-insurance exchange, the establishment of which is provided for under the Texas Insurance Code.^[32] This insurance exchange is made up of current and former military officers and NCOs who have taken out P&C policies with USAA; thus they simultaneously are insured by each other and, as a group, own USAA's assets. Theoretically, this implies that each member could be held completely responsible for all the losses of all the other members. However, the insurance code (Sec 942.142) stipulates that should an entity such as USAA accrue a substantial amount of assets, member liability is limited only to the premiums they have paid to USAA. In other words, if an enormous disaster were to result in claims that would wipe out all the assets of USAA, individual members could not legally be called upon to pay for any amount USAA is unable to pay out in claims.

Other insurance services are provided by a variety of wholly owned subsidiaries. Adult children of USAA members and U.S. military junior enlisted personnel make up a group known at USAA as "associate members" insured through a subsidiary called USAA-Casualty Insurance Company (USAA-CIC). USAA-CIC is not an insurance exchange but rather a Delaware Insurance Corporation. This is a subtle nuance but is important concerning the return of profits - described below. Non-standard-risk drivers are insured by subsidiaries like USAA's County Mutual Insurance Company or USAA-General Indemnity Company. USAA also insures members in Europe through its subsidiary, USAA Limited. It is uncommon for a U.S. based insurance company to provide international P&C coverage, but USAA does so because so many military families are stationed out-of-country.

Returning profits to the insured[link]

Since there are no shareholders, profits are retained for financial strength or returned to the members. Returns are accomplished through an SSA (Subscriber's Savings Account). Each year a portion of USAA's profit is retained as "unassigned," the rest is allocated to each member's SSA using a formula based on the amount of premium the member paid that year as well as the member's SSA balance. The allocation of capital to a member's SSA occurs early in the calendar year. Late in the calendar year a portion of the member's SSA is distributed to the member via checks or electronic funds transfer. Members with more than 40 years of membership also receive a special yearly "senior bonus" distribution which amounts to 10% of the member's SSA balance. The entirety of the SSA belongs to the member, but is not completely distributed until approximately 6 months after the member no longer has a USAA P&C policy.^[33] In 2010 the distribution amounted to 6% of the member's Subscriber's Account balance.

Associate members sometimes receive policy dividends instead of distributions of profits, since they are not members of the insurance exchange.

Miscellaneous information[link]

USAA's Colorado Springs location

The stated mission of USAA is to facilitate the financial security of its members, associates and their families through provision of a range of financial products and services. In so doing, USAA seeks to be the provider of choice for the military community.^[34]

Besides its headquarters in San Antonio, it has a second major office in Phoenix, AZ, and other smaller operations in Colorado Springs, CO; Norfolk, VA; Tampa, FL; Highland Falls, NY; London, England and Frankfurt, Germany.^[35]

Leadership[link]

USAA experienced much growth under its former CEO, retired Air Force Brigadier General Robert F. McDermott. The USAA building was constructed under his tenure and McDermott was behind USAA's shift from service-by-mail to service-by-phone.^[36] He was succeeded as CEO by retired Air Force General Robert Herres.^[37] It was under Herres that USAA expanded its services to enlisted members of the military and developed Internet based financial services.^[38] Following General Herres as CEO was Robert G. Davis, a former Army officer^[39] who came to USAA with experience in a variety of financial services companies. Davis is said to have changed the culture at USAA; during his time at USAA, membership, assets and net worth grew significantly. His tenure, however, was not without controversy. Davis oversaw USAA's first layoffs and by some reports had a confrontational style of leadership. Davis had indicated to USAA employees that he intended to continue to lead USAA until 2010, however, he retired in December 2007.^[40] The nature of his retirement seems to have been precipitous, as current USAA CEO Josue Robles has stated that upon assuming the role of CEO, "I thought I was just going to be a temporary CEO and (the board) said, 'Guess what? The permanent CEO is you'."^[41]

Credit ratings[link]

Since it is not a publicly traded corporation, USAA is not bound by the same corporate governance rules as publicly traded companies. Even so, USAA is subject to insurance regulation and examination by state regulators as well as federal entities like the SEC, FTC, and FDIC. In addition, its records are audited by Ernst & Young as well as the major financial rating agencies, who rate both USAA and many of its subsidiaries. Relevant ratings include:

• A. M. Best Company: A++ (Superior)^[42]
• Moody's Investor Service: Aaa (Exceptional)^{[citation needed]}
• Standard and Poor's: AA+ ^[43]

Service ratings[link]

USAA has consistently received the highest customer service ratings available to financial services companies, including those not in its niche. For its highly rated customer service, in 2002 JD Power awarded USAA with its Chairman's Award,^[44] which at that time had been awarded to ten companies, none of them in the financial services arena. Since then, USAA has remained at the top of the JD Power ratings for auto insurance^[45][46][47] home insurance,^[48] mortgages,^[49] and home equity loans.^[50]

In its March 5, 2007 issue, BusinessWeek^[51] ranked USAA first in its list^[52] of "Customer Service Champs", a list of 25 national businesses that included the Four Seasons Hotels, Lexus and Starbucks. USAA repeated as first on BusinessWeek's list in its' March 3, 2008, issue.^[53]

A 2007 Forrester Research report referenced in the San Antonio Express-News on June 27, 2007,^[54] identified USAA as the leader in customer advocacy based on a customer survey. Eighty-eight percent of the USAA customers surveyed said "My financial provider does what's best for me, not just its own bottom line." No other company evaluated scored higher than 78%. USAA retained the top spot on Forrester Research's study in 2008^[55] and 2009.^[56]

In its May 2009 issue, Consumer Reports named USAA's brokerage division as the top rated discount brokerage service in the United States.^[57]

In a survey of 145 companies conducted by Zogby International, USAA ranked #1 in customer service out of 145 American companies, and was subsequently awarded first place in the 2009 MSN Money Customer Service Hall of Fame.^[58]

Employment[link]

USAA employs more than 23,400 personnel at its offices throughout the country.^[2] In 2010, USAA was ranked 45th on Fortune Magazine's list of the "100 Best Companies to Work For".^[59][60] In 2011, USAA moved up 28 spots to 17th on Fortune's list.^[61] USAA has also been recognized for many years as one of the 50 best corporations for career advancement for Latinas in the US.^[62][63] It has been recognized as a "Military Spouse-Friendly Employer"^[64] and has also been recognized by GI Jobs as one of America's best employers for veterans and reservists.^[65]

USAA was ranked 17th on the Computerworld 100 Best Places to Work for IT Professionals in 2006,^[66] 39th in 2007,^[67] 20th in 2008,^[68] 9th in 2009,^[69] and 1st in 2010^[70] and 2011.^[71] In the 2007 Computerworld rating, only one company with more IT employees was ranked higher than USAA and only one Texas company with 100 IT employees was rated higher. Like many Fortune 500 companies, USAA utilizes third party IT contractors.

References[link]

External links[link]

• USAA.com Official website
• USAA Educational Foundation, a nonprofit organization providing consumer information
• USAA history
• USAA Real Estate Company

This article does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (December 2009)

"Can I Get a Witness" is a 1963 hit song by Marvin Gaye on the Tamla (Motown) label. Written and produced by Motown songwriting and producing team Holland–Dozier–Holland, the song was built among gospel-styled music and heralded Gaye's beginnings in the church with a rhythm and blues/rock and roll setting. The song featured Gaye on piano, playing a boogie pattern, The Funk Brothers, and members of The Supremes in the background accompanying Gaye. The song became a hit in both the U.S. and the United Kingdom, and British musicians Lulu, Dusty Springfield, The Rolling Stones, Sam Brown and Steampacket (which featured a very young Rod Stewart) recorded cover versions of the song. Gaye's version peaked at #22 on the Hot 100 chart and its title soon became a catchphrase. Lee Michaels' 1971 version reached #39 on the Hot 100; both his and Gaye's versions peaked during Christmas week.

In popular culture[link]

• Gaye's recording is featured in the 1999 biographical film The Hurricane.

Personnel[link]

• Lead vocals by Marvin Gaye
• Background vocals by The Supremes: Diana Ross, Florence Ballard, and Mary Wilson
• Instrumentation by The Funk Brothers

George E. Day
Col. Day in dress uniform.
Nickname	Bud
Born	(1925-02-24) February 24, 1925 (age 87) Sioux City, Iowa
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Air Force United States Army United States Marine Corps
Years of service	1942 - 1945 (Marine Corps) 1945 - 1950 (Army) 1950 - 1977 (Air Force)
Rank	Colonel
Battles/wars	World War II Korean War Vietnam War
Awards	Medal of Honor Air Force Cross Air Force Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star Legion of Merit Distinguished Flying Cross Bronze Star (4) with Combat "V" Defense Meritorious Service Medal Purple Heart (4) Air Medal (10) Prisoner of War Medal
Other work	Author, Return with Honor Partner, Day and Meade Law Firm

George Everette "Bud" Day (born February 24, 1925) is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and Command Pilot who served during the Vietnam War, to include five years and seven months as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. He is often cited as being the most decorated U.S. service member since General Douglas MacArthur, having received some seventy decorations, a majority for actions in combat. Day is a recipient of the Medal of Honor and the Air Force Cross.

Biography[link]

Day was born in Sioux City, Iowa, on February 24, 1925. In 1942, he dropped out of Central High School and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served 30 months in the North Pacific during World War II as a member of a 5 in (130 mm) gun battery with the 3rd Defense Battalion on Johnston Island.

After the war, Day attended Morningside College on the G.I. Bill, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree, followed by law school at the University of South Dakota, receiving a Juris Doctor. Day passed the bar exam in 1949 and was admitted to the bar in South Dakota. In later life, Day was also awarded a Master of Arts degree from St. Louis University, a Doctor of Humane Letters from Morningside, and a Doctor of Laws from Troy State University. Day was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1977.

A member of the Army Reserve following World War II, he received a direct commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Iowa Air National Guard in 1950, and was called to active duty in 1951 for Undergraduate Pilot Training in the U.S. Air Force. He served two tours as a fighter-bomber pilot during the Korean War flying the Republic F-84 Thunderjet, surviving a "no-chute" ejection in 1955. Promoted to captain, he decided to make the Air Force a career and was augmented into the Regular Air Force. He then transitioned to the F-100 Super Sabre in 1957 while stationed at RAF Wethersfield in the United Kingdom.

Anticipating retirement in 1968 and now a major, Day volunteered for a tour in Vietnam and was assigned to the 31st Tactical Fighter Wing at Tuy Hoa Air Base in April 1967. At that time, he had more than 5,000 flying hours, with 4,500 of them in fighters. On June 25, 1967, with extensive previous service flying two tours in F-100s, Major Day was made the first commander of Detachment 1, 416th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 37th Tactical Fighter Wing based at Phu Cat Air Base.^[1] Under the project name "Commando Sabre", twin-seat USAF F-100Fs were evaluated as a Fast Forward Air Control ("Fast FAC") aircraft in high threat areas, given that F-4 Phantom II aircraft were in high demand for strike and Combat Air Patrol (CAP) roles. Using the call sign Misty, the name of Day's favorite song, his detachment of four two-seat F-100Fs and 16 pilots became pioneer "Fast FACs" (Forward Air Controllers) over Laos and North Vietnam. All Misty FAC crews were volunteers with at least 100 combat missions in Vietnam and 1,000 minimum flight hours. Tours in Commando Sabre were temporary and normally limited to four months or about 50-60 missions.

Prisoner of war[link]

On August 26, 1967, Major Day was flying F-100F-15-NA, AF Serial No. 56-3954, call sign "Misty 01",^[2] on his 26th Fast FAC sortie, directing a flight of F-105 Thunderchiefs in an air strike against a surface-to-air missile (SAM) site north of Thon Cam Son^[3] and west of Dong Hoi, 20 mi (32 km) north of the DMZ in North Vietnam. Day was on his 65th mission into North Vietnam and acting as check pilot for Captain Corwin M. "Kipp" Kippenhan, who was upgrading to aircraft commander. 37 mm antiaircraft fire crippled the aircraft, forcing the crew to eject. In the ejection, Day's right arm was broken in three places when he struck the side of the cockpit, and he also experienced eye and back injuries.

Kippenhan was rescued by a USAF HH-3E, but Day was unable to contact the rescue helicopter by survival radio and was quickly captured by North Vietnamese local militia. On his fifth night, when he was still within 20 mi (32 km) of the DMZ, Day escaped from his initial captors despite his serious injuries. Although stripped of both his boots and flight suit, Day crossed the Demilitarized Zone back into South Vietnam, becoming the only U.S. prisoner of war to escape from North Vietnam. Within 2 mi (3 km) of the U.S. Marine firebase at Con Thien and after 12–15 days of evading, he was captured again, this time by a Viet Cong patrol that wounded him in the leg and hand with gunfire.

Taken back to his original camp, Day was tortured for escaping, breaking his right arm again. He then was moved to several prison camps near Hanoi, where he was periodically beaten, starved, and tortured. In December 1967, Day shared a cell with Navy Lieutenant Commander and future Senator and Presidential Candidate John McCain who was even more seriously injured and emaciated. Air Force Major Norris Overly nursed both back to health, and McCain later devised a makeshift splint of bamboo and rags that helped heal Day's seriously atrophied arm.^[4]

On March 14, 1973, Day was released after five years and seven months as a North Vietnamese prisoner. Within three days Day was reunited with his wife, Doris Sorensen Day, and four children at March Air Force Base, California. On March 4, 1976, President Gerald Ford awarded Day the Medal of Honor for his personal bravery while a captive in North Vietnam.

Day had been promoted to Colonel while a prisoner, and decided to remain in the Air Force in hopes of being promoted to Brigadier General. Although initially too weak to resume operational flying, he spent a year in physical rehabilitation and with 13 separate medical waivers, was returned to active flying status. He underwent conversion training to the F-4 Phantom II and was appointed vice commander of the 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

Retirement[link]

After being passed over for nomination to brigadier general, Day retired from active duty in 1977 to resume his practice of law in Florida. At his retirement he had nearly 8,000 total flying hours, 4,900 in single engine jets, and had flown the F-80 Shooting Star, F-84 Thunderjet, F-100 Super Sabre, F-101 Voodoo, F-104 Starfighter, F-105 Thunderchief, F-106 Delta Dart, F-4 Phantom II, A-4 Skyhawk, A-7 Corsair II, CF-5 Tiger and F-15 Eagle jet fighters.

He lives in Shalimar, Florida.

Following his retirement, Day wrote an autobiographical account of his experiences as a prisoner of war, Return with Honor, followed by Duty, Honor, Country, which updated his autobiography to include his post-Air Force years. Among other endeavors, in 1996 Day filed a class action lawsuit for breach of contract against the United States government on behalf of military retirees who were stripped of their military medical care benefits at age 65 and told to apply for Medicare. Although winning the case in the district court in 2001, the judgment against the U.S. was overturned by the U.S. Court of Appeals in 2002. The U.S. Congress later redressed this situation by establishing the "TRICARE For Life" (TFL) program, which restored TRICARE military medical benefits for career military retirees over the age of 65, making the retirees eligible for both programs with Medicare as the primary payer and TRICARE as the secondary payer.

Day has fourteen grandchildren.

Political activity and controversy[link]

Day is an active member of the Florida Republican Party, was involved in the 527 group Swift Vets and POWs for Truth,^[5] and campaigned with John McCain in 2000 and 2008.^[6][7][8] In the months leading up to the 2004 U.S. presidential election, Day appeared in television advertisements—along with other members of the 527 group Swift Vets and POWs for Truth—decrying John Kerry's anti-war activities following his military service during the Vietnam War and declaring him "unfit" for service and of a "dishonest" disposition for comments and actions made by Kerry after the Vietnam War, including his testimony at the Winter Soldier Conference in Washington, D.C.^[9][10][11] During a 2008 teleconference with reporters from the Miami Herald, Day made comments regarding John McCain's stance on the Iraq War, stating that "I don't intend to kneel, and I don't advocate to anybody that we kneel, and John [McCain] doesn't advocate to anybody that we kneel." Also during this interview he sparked controversy by making a broad generalization about what some see as an ideological divide between Islam and America: "the Muslims have said either we kneel, or they're going to kill us."^{[12][13][14][15][16]} In the same interview when questioned about the role of 527 organizations in contemporary American politics, particularly his work for the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, Day stated "the bottom line is this: 527 groups can do very effective, truthful things, and the Swift Boat attack was totally truthful."^[17]

Honors[link]

A number of structures have been named after Day. On March 14, 1997, the new Survival School Building at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, was named in his honor. In 2002, the Sioux City, Iowa, airport was renamed Sioux Gateway Airport/Colonel Bud Day Field. On May 7, 2010, Day Manor, a Visiting Officers Quarters (VOQ) at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, was dedicated in his honor. A section of Florida State Road 397 just outside of Eglin Air Force Base was named "Col. Bud Day Boulevard" on October 12, 2010.^[18]

On January 4, 2008, Day was awarded the Freedom Communications Spirit of Freedom Award on behalf of the Northwest Florida Daily News.

Award citations[link]

Medal of Honor citation[link]

Rank and organization: Colonel (then Major), U.S. Air Force, Forward Air Controller Pilot of an F-100 aircraft.
Place and date: North Vietnam, August 26, 1967.
Entered service at: Sioux City, Iowa.
Born: February 24, 1925, Sioux City, Iowa.

Citation: 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.^[19]

Air Force Cross citation[link]

The Air Force Cross is presented to George Everett Day, Colonel, United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 16 July 1969 to 14 October 1969. During this period, Colonel Day was subjected to maximum punishment and torture by Vietnamese guards to obtain a detailed confession of escape plans, policies, and orders of the American senior ranking officer in the camp, and the communications methods used by the Americans interned in the camp. Colonel Day withstood this punishment and gave nothing of value to the Vietnamese, although he sustained many injuries and open wounds to his body. Through his extraordinary heroism and willpower, in the face of the enemy, Colonel Day reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. "Home of Heroes". http://www.homeofheroes.com/valor/1_Citations/08_afc/afc_01rvn.html. Retrieved October 5, 2010. ^{[dead link]}

Awards and decorations[link]

	Medal of Honor
	Air Force Cross
	Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
	Silver Star
	Legion of Merit
	Distinguished Flying Cross
	Bronze Star Medal with Valor device and three bronze oak leaf clusters
	Purple Heart with three bronze oak leaf clusters
	Defense Meritorious Service Medal
	Air Medal with silver and four bronze oak leaf clusters
60px	Presidential Unit Citation with three bronze oak leaf clusters
	Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor device and three bronze oak leaf clusters
	Prisoner of War Medal
	Combat Readiness Medal
	Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal
	Army Good Conduct Medal
	American Campaign Medal
	Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
	World War II Victory Medal
	National Defense Service Medal with bronze service star
	Korean Service Medal
	Vietnam Service Medal with two silver and four bronze oak leaf clusters
	Air Force Longevity Service Award with silver oak leaf cluster
	Armed Forces Reserve Medal
	Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon
	National Order of Vietnam, Commander Badge
	Vietnam Gallantry Cross
	Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Award
	United Nations Service Medal for Korea
	Vietnam Campaign Medal