14-17MAY1945: Fighting during the brutal Battle of Okinawa, Cpl James Day was stationed on Sugar Loaf Hill as the Japanese prepared to take back the position. Hanging on and fighting for his life, Day and a dwindling number of his squad held their position through three days of brutal fighting.
Recognizing that Day was holding the line, the Japanese attackers zeroed in on his position, attempting to overrun his squad through a series of brutal night attacks. Day, breaking up each with small arms, grenades and his bare hands, also spent the night shuttling wounded back to friendly lines. Eventually wounded by fragmentary and phosphorus grenades, Day cut down over 100 enemy soldiers during the three day fight, many mere feet from his position. Finally called back, Day moved off the line so American airpower and artillery could hammer the hillside in preparation for a follow on attack.
Staying in the Marines until 1986, Day would serve in Korea and Vietnam and would be promoted to Major General. As his paperwork was lost, it wouldn't be until 1998 that now MG James Day would be awarded the Medal of Honor.
