The Death of Mike Day – It was in March of 2023 that Douglas “Mike” Day, a former Navy SEAL who had been awarded the Silver Star, died away. 27 gunshot wounds were sustained by him when he was serving in Iraq in 2007. Day, who was serving as the assault force commander for Naval Special Warfare Task Unit-Fallujah at the time, was tasked with the duty of apprehending a high-ranking member of al-Qaida with his squad during a joint helicopter-borne direct action operation that took place in April of 2007.
Day was the first member of his squad to enter the chamber that contained the enemy rebels and begin a ferocious exchange of automatic weapons, as stated in the citation that he received for his Silver Star. According to the citation received for the Silver Star, “He continued to engage in combat with the enemy despite suffering multiple gunshot wounds.” “When he realized that he had lost his primary weapon, he switched to his pistol and killed three members of the enemy personnel. He made sure that the women and children who were in close proximity to the enemy troops were not hurt in the process.
In addition, the citation states that “In addition, his resolute leadership and mental acuity despite his injuries were critical factors in the mission’s triumph.” This mission resulted in the successful recovery of sensitive United States military equipment, the destruction of four enemy personnel, and the acquisition of valuable intelligence regarding enemy activity in the region.
Day was hit sixteen times in the body, including the belly, arms, and legs. Additionally, his body armor was damaged eleven times. Day was also injured in the knees. Additionally, he was at risk of being hit by shrapnel from grenades. Despite the fact that his first recuperation lasted for a period of two years, he revealed in his book “Perfectly Wounded” that he continued to struggle with excruciating pain. Day has been recognized with a Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars, one of which was bestowed for combat bravery, and the Silver Star for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidry in action,” according to Day’s releasable documents that were acquired by Navy Times. Both of these awards were presented to Day in recognition of his actions throughout the conflict.
The Silver Star is the third-highest battle honor for courage that is conferred to service personnel in the Navy and Marine Corps. It is next to the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross, which are the two highest decorations for valor in combat. As a consequence of his time spent serving in the military, Day was diagnosed with traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder, both of which he recounted in his biography.
Day began his career in the Navy in 1989 and remained there until his retirement in 2010. The United States Special Operations Command later appointed him to the role of injured warrior advocate. He served in this capacity for a period of time.
