- Period:
- Vietnam War (1955-1975)
- Rank:
- Major
- Unit:
- 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division "Fighting Third", U.S. Marine Corps
"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Ninth Marines and subsequently as Assistant Operations Officer, THIRD Marine Division from 19 May 1966 to 1 June 1967, in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Assigned as Executive Officer of the First Battalion, Ninth Marines, Major Day rendered invaluable assistance to the commanding officer in the complex planning and execution of numerous operations against the elusive and stubborn enemy. During this period, he participated in Operations MACON, SWANNEE, LIBERTY, and KY LAM which resulted in 579 enemy confirmed killed, 210 probable killed and 184 weapons confiscated. On 20 July 1966, while commanding Task Group BRAVO during Operation LIBERTY, his units came in contact with a numerically superior enemy force located near Hill 55 in Quang Nam Province. Throughout the operation, he positioned himself with the assault units in order to effectively control and coordinate his men. Although he was wounded, he refused medical evacuation and remained with his battalion until the enemy was routed. On 24 September 1966, he assumed command of the battalion when the battalion commander was critically wounded and evacuated. During Operation DECKHOUSE V, from 4 January to 16 January 1967, Major Day's unit accounted for over 126 enemy confirmed killed, the destruction of a grenade factory and a mine factory and the confiscation of 1,200 mines., 1,600 grenades, 104 weapons and 125 tons of rice. On 25 February 1967, he was wounded a second time while participating in Operation CHINOOK II in Thua Thien Province. In large measure due to his superb leadership and aggressive actions, 55 enemy were confirmed killed and 50 tons of rice were confiscated. During Operation PRAIRIE II in Quang Tri Province, he skillfully led his battalion in accounting for over 425 enemy confirmed killed, 140 probable killed and the capture of eight prisoners. In addition, his unit captured 283 individual weapons, six 82-mm. mortars, two 60-mm. mortars, 81 heavy machine guns, 41 types of crew served weapons and 800 rounds of 82-mm. mortar ammunition. On 28 March 1967, he was reassigned as Assistant Operations Officer of the THIRD Marine Division. In this capacity, he continued to perform with distinction, demonstrating outstanding professional skill and leadership. Through his vast combat experience and intimate knowledge of enemy activities, he displayed exceptional insight, a profound appreciation of tactical requirements and a vast capacity for details. His inspiring leadership and superb organizational abilities were manifested in the smooth and efficient functioning of his section under the stress of numerous combat operations. By his outstanding professionalism, superior skill and unswerving devotion to duty throughout, Major Day upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (Major Day is authorized to wear the Combat "V".)
With "Combat V" device