American Patriot: The Life and Wars of Colonel Bud Day

by Robert Coram

During the course of his military career, Bud Day won every available combat medal, escaped death on no less than seven occasions, and spent 67 months as a POW in the infamous Hanoi Hilton, along with John McCain. Despite sustained torture, Day would not break. He became a hero to POWs everywhere--a man who fought without pause, not a prisoner of war, but a prisoner at war.



Upon his return, passed over for promotion to Brigadier General, Day retired. But years later, with his children grown and a lifetime of service to his country behind him, he would engage in another battle, this one against an opponent he never had his own country. On his side would be the hundreds of thousands of veterans who had fought for America only to be betrayed. And what would happen next would make Bud Day an even greater legend.

Genres: Biography, History, War, Nonfiction, Military Fiction, Military History, Aviation

416 pages, Hardcover

First published May 3, 2007

About the author

Robert Coram is the author of three nonfiction books and seven novels. He lives in Atlanta.

Reviews

[Michael Thimsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

To me, this was a story about two halves of an amazing life. If this was a review of Colonel Day the man, then obviously he merits five stars. His absolutist personality worked wonders in the military and clearly drove him to achieve unthinkable levels of heroism while simultaneously inspiring a devoted, almost fanatical group of warriors who fought with him in Korea and Vietnam. The stories of his POW experience were honestly hard to read and I know that I would not have been able to withstand the scantest portion of the brutal punishment he endured. He wanted to return with honor and that he did. He continued his principled life after the war as he fought for causes and people he believed in including the battle over whether veterans were entitled to free health care for a lifetime. This was shocking to me as I thought it was guaranteed myself. Of course, his ire was directed at President Clinton and that is understandable considering his history but some president was going to have to deal with exploding costs, he just was the first one in line. I believe that budgetary outlays for the pentagon are originated and approved by congressional action; congress was Republican controlled at the time so as always, I think the story is more nuanced than the book lets on.
That gets me to the writing. There is a place for hagiographies in our literary culture and books of this sort if approached the right way can be quite enjoyably. This book was written in a blunt, take no prisoners style and this really worked well for the first two thirds of the book where the focus was on flying, combat, and other "band of brothers" type material. The sequences in Vietnam read like adventure fiction and was really done. Where this militaristic style of writing tends to bog the narrative down is where there is naturally going to be more nuance and opaqueness. In Colonel Day's world this would occur as he made transition back to the civilian world. In this world writing with such fawning adoration can grow tiresome. To me, Colonel Day came across as bit of boor in the post war years. He punched guy out in a bar, held grudges against veterans who did not hold up his personal standard of honor, refused to stop using offensive racial terms Vietnamese (many of whom may have fought for South Vietnam), and engaged in the notoriously dirty world of politics (while naively expecting it to be as honorable as combat.) I can't blame him considering the pain he endured but I cant help but think of another veteran who went through unmentionable torture at the hands of the Japanese in World War II but lived most of his post-war years with grace and humility and even wanted to meet his former torturers not for a chance at vengeance, but out of a desire to forgive. I'm speaking of course of Louis Zamperini. I think a more accomplished writer could have built more complexity into the story of Colonel Day by exploring the tension between his honorable purposes and his never-ending desire for retribution and score settling. Overall, this was a solid look at the life of man who was a warrior. He lived for battle and honor every day of his life.

[Carlton · Rating 5 out of 5]

In every dictionary there should be a picture of this man next to the words 'American,' and 'Patriot.' I'm willing to bet that 95% of the people I know have never even heard of him. Meanwhile, every year from December to March, we have an orgy of award shows including the Academy Awards. Every. Single. Year. I know the names of hundreds of actors, musicians, and artists. I can name maybe 5 CMH winners (and that is a lot, in this day and age). Colonel Bud Day should be a household name.
We honor the wrong people.

[Pat Rolston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having been born in Iowa and a resident for a considerable portion of my life I am shocked to have not been aware of Medal of Honor and Air Force Cross recipient Colonel Bud Day. Colonel Day was born in Sioux City, Iowa February 24th, 1925 and served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. He was also a POW in Vietnam He is the only soldier to ever receive both awards and posthumously was awarded the status Brigadier General. The state of Iowa has not properly recognized a native son for his service to his country. I understand the horrors of Vietnam and America’s wrongful involvement, but this isn’t history on a personal level that can be ignored.

I learned Brigadier General Day’s story via an exceptional book by an exceptional author, Robert Corum, who also wrote: Boyd: The Fighter Pilot Who Changed the Art of War. That is a terrific biography and history of aircraft development. This is an inspirational book on multiple levels and provides insight into the absolute boundaries of human endurance in the face of inhuman treatment. The author expertly conveys the historical context with details of Bud Day’s life that allow a deep empathy rarely conveyed by the printed word. The story intersects with another amazing book, The Nightingales Song by Robert Timberg. John McCain is part of both books which is very fascinating to triangulate and confirm his legendary role in Vietnam and inspiration as a POW.

[Dad · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a very difficult book to wade through as on the one hand it’s an account of a MOH recipient, while it attempts to portray a man as a hero, patriot who in real life became boorish and arrogant. A very hard read to accept...

[Amy Lawson]

It's not that this book is that well-written, but the story was life changing.

[a.t.m. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story about a great America pilot and patriot.

Every high school kid should have to read colonel Bud Day's story. His will to live and never give in to his sadistic captors, is an incredible story in and of itself, but, because of his leadership he united other Pow's. When the Clinton administration took away benefits from veterans, because they had reached the age of 65, Col Day was outraged, and started a grassroots campaign to have those benefits reinstated. This is a story of a great American and a story that should not be forgotten. His love of country, his personal sacrifices, and his willingness to endure any hardship, make this book a necessary read for all Americans.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book because my son, who is a junior in high school told me that he was learning about Bud Day in school, and thought it was something that I would like to read. As soon as I found out that Bud Day was born and raised in Sioux City, Iowa, I had to pick it up. I lived in Sioux City from Dec. 2000 until July 2007 and go back there frequently to visit. I had to see what American Patriot was about.

It usually doesn't take me days to read a book, especially a book that holds my attention. It took me the better part of two days to read American Patriot and it wasn't because it was dull and boring, it was because I had to take a mental and emotional break from the story. IT was that intense.

I was never in the military, but I grew up around the military. My heart has always been with our United States military. I have known some amazing men and women who have served and who are still serving our great country, so I have a basic understanding of the military. I'm a proud military supporter.

American Patriot made me burst into tears when Bud Day was a POW. The torture he went through was mind-boggling and he lived through it. He didn't disgrace himself or his country and he took a lot of beatings and didn't give any information that could hurt his country, his family, or his buddies. I got angry while reading because of the way he was treated by some government officials and political people. I rooted for the good guys! Bud Day fought hard for his country and he didn't stop when he finally came home after being a POW for 67 months. He fought for veterans' rights when the Clinton Administration cut veterans' medical benefits. He was going into another battle, against the United States government.

I could write more but I won't do spoilers, everything I've stated can be found on the back of book so no spoilers. If you want to read about a true American Hero, pick up American Patriot. It's worth the read. Grab some tissues, though.

[Leto · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was very glad to learn about the life of Colonel Bud Day. What the man endured as a POW in Viet Nam is excruciating but important to absorb. He worked his whole life to do the right thing. And the book provides excellent insight into why so many members of our Armed Forces were opposed to the candidacy of John Kerry.

Gave it just three stars because of the writing. The author’s adoration of his subject and his politics get in the way of what could have been an excellent biography. Please don’t tell me only people who live in the Midwest care about hard work, family and honesty. And describing Day‘s mother as a “drudge” (her personally, not her life) because she filled her days with cooking and cleaning for her family almost caused me to stop early on.

On balance I recommend it, but Day deserved a better biographer.

[Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this after reading Robert Coram’s book about John Boyd, and although I enjoyed both, I think my issue with both of them is that toward the end both smack of a bit of hero worship (although I will say that Coram did acknowledge some of the pimples in Boyd’s personal life)

Coram does write what seem to be well researched books and these biographies have been interesting reads that were difficult to put down. The first 2/3 or so up until Day’s retirement from the military was fantastic and should be read by everyone to know what we should aspire to. The last bit seems to be a bit overdone in its adulation which then sort of calls into question the objectivity of the biographer

All in all though I rate it a 4.0/5.0 and it’s definitely worth a read

[Gloria J. White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly the most heroic aviator I have ever read about.this book shoul be required reading for all cadets at the US Military Academies. M. White

Truly the most heroic aviator I have ever read About.
This should be required reading at all the U.S. Military Academies.

M. White

[Deborah M · Rating 5 out of 5]

lessons for our time

Recounting Day’s sacrifices and victories - over self, tormentors,
enemies, and friends - this book is a straight-forward acknowledgement of an American Hero. It should be required reading in every high school.

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed the story even if the writer lays it on a bit thick.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Story of an awesome leader.

[Crt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to read and engaging, a tiny bit gung ho but that is the style.

[RICHARD T. DUNBAR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding story.

I liked the straightforward telling of Bud Day's life story. Bud Day is truly one of the greatest heroes of our time.

[John Machata · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good read. Jingoistic to the max. Yes, Americans are brave and the North Vietnamese were brutal at the Hanoi Hilton, but Americans are not better men. It was war.

[Blue Morse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps the greatest American to have ever lived. Coram, as he did in “Boyd”, phenomenally captures the legendary life of Bud Day.

[cesar rebelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

best reading in years

A well very written book about a living legend. Inspirational.
Straight to the pilots hearts and souls.
Return with honour

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grade A American badass.

[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes a reader is not really sure where a book stands – you won’t have that problem with this book. Robert Coram’s American Patriot is the life story of Air Force Medal of Honor recipient George “Bud” Day. The book understandably is hawkish, making everything about war and warriors noble and righteous. When the book stays on topic – the life of Bud Day – it is a wonderful portrait of a man and his lifetime of service to his country. We also get to see many of the trials and tribulations of Day’s wife, Doris – which is a supporting part often left out of biographies. But the book as a whole sometimes comes across as getting even and settling scores.

The storyline in the last third of the book names names and tries to make sure the reader knows who the bad guys were. The narrative comes off as an attack piece on the doves in American society. The tale spends a lot of time savaging the “Finks” that collaborated with the North Vietnamese or were released early from the POW camps. The account, written 30-some years after the Vietnam War ended, dredges up hints of disloyal behavior by Senator John Kerry (of Swift boat fame) and Jane Fonda (visiting Hanoi); it also takes a few shots at CBS (liberal media) and Dan Rather (the same). The book is positive on H. Ross Perot (who tried to help free the POWs) and negative on President Clinton (who dropped lifetime medical care for veterans years later), and it also touches on Day’s participation in the first Bush election battles. Unabashedly for warriors and against college protestors – the chronicle could have made room for both, since that is part of what America is all about. All in all, we owe a lot to servicemen like Bud Day, they go where others fear to tread … but as a book, I think I’ll read Day’s autobiography for comparison.

[Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bud Day is an amazing individual to say the least. For example, while flying his F-100F on a bombing mission in North Vietnam, Day was shot down and taken prisoner. During the ejection he broke his right arm, severely bruised both knees, and was blinded in his right eye. After being placed in a 6 ft by 2 ft containment hole, he was stripped of everything but his underwear, bound by his legs, and given minimal medical and nutritional attention for around 2 weeks or so. When the guards became lackadaisical, Day untied his feet, escaped from his cell and went on a 2 week, 25 mile escape through the Vietnamese jungle surviving only on water, berries and the occasional frog. Day was, all the while, still suffering from a broken arm, blind eye, and now severely infected knees and feet. The 5ft 7 152lb man was reduced to a mere shadow of his former self losing 40lbs and clinging to life.....
This book was incredibly hard to put down, very reminiscent of Boyd. Overall, Coram excelled once again delivering an epic recollection of the amazing events of Bud Days life (so far). I found the information that I have read about John McCain is solidified in this biography. Though the political outlook of this book is somewhat biased, it is, however, necessary in that it accurately displays Day's opinions and unwillingness to bend in his beliefs. I found it incredibly hard not to pull for the guy, the last true American hero. I highly recommend this biography to those who enjoyed Boyd.

[Brad Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspiring story about a POW Vietnam hero, but the last 150 pages about his post-Vietnam crusades could easily be skipped.

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a truly impressive story that is clumsily written. When the author stays on point and manages to contain his editorial bias, the story unfolds nicely and reads easily. Col. Day's story is incredible in every way and that alone keeps the pages turning, but there are too many ancillary stories spoken of or started, but never quite tied in or wrapped up; too many time warps where there's a sense of chronology that has been lost, but uncertainty about where or how. The underlying story never gets lost or undermined, but it is distracting.

The author does a nice job lauding Col. Day's wife, Doris. It would be easy to lose or even ignore her accomplishments in the context of his, but the author ensures that her contributions to the story are communicated. She is an impressive woman in her own right.

[Kenneth Tubman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written. The Vietnam combat veteran needed a hero like Col. Bud Day, Medal of Honor Recipient, to tell it like it was.

The shame that Hanoi John (Kerry) and Jane (Fonda), Dan Rather, Morley Safer who "shat on the American flag." and other notables, and the "Early Release" POWs put upon the fighting veterans of this war that was started by politicians was a total disgrace to this country.

Bud Day was there to protect all veterans after his retirement from the military.His most notable was the reinstatement of almost all benefits back including Tricare For Life, that were eliminated by the Clinton Administration. I myself, a Vietnam veteran am greatly thankful for this.

May God bless his sole!

[John Ethridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bud Days life is truly remarkable and reading this book makes it crystal clear why he is the most decorated American military man alive and the most decorated Air Force officer in the history of the Air Force. This book does a good job of accounting the life of Bud Day. At times it is exceptional (such as when he is in Vietnam and a POW) and at times it is terrible, but mostly it is good. This is an easy to digest story that any patriotic American will enjoy and you are only likely to be offended I'd you are ultra politically correct, a democrat, or an Air Force pilot with thin skin (if one of those actually exists)

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish we could make this mandatory reading for people who criticize how we treat captured terrorists, especially the liberal media. This validates that Jane Fonda and John Kerry should be tried for treason. Great reading for both military and non-military people. Thank God for people like Bud Day, John McCain and thousands of other military men and women. This also sheds new light on Ross Perot and how much he has done for our military people.

[Liz V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not enough can be written in honor of Col. Day who gave exemplary service throughout his military service, most notably during his longest "tour" as a POW and then as a lawyer to preserve promised medical care.

On reflection, I down graded my rating to 4, as additional reading makes me wish Coram had devoted more space with better documentation of the swiftboat controversy.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have met both Col and Mrs. Day and heard them tell some of the stories documented in this book. Col Day passing away on 27 Jul 2013 was the loss of a true American Hero. Mrs. Day is no slouch herself and a remarkable person.
This was an engaging book with an engaging story but you can't make up a story as good at the truth of Col Day's.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing life story. I am embarrassed to admit (because of who is glorified in the media) that I know who Kim Kardashian is and yet I have never heard of Colonel Bud Day. I hope his story is made into a movie so more people are aware of this hero just like "Unbroken" did for Louis Zamperini. Wow.