Navy SEAL Douglas “Mike” Day was a distinguished and resilient military figure who dedicated 21 years of his life to serving in the U.S. Navy. Born on May 24, 1975, in Honolulu, Hawaii, he grew up in Auburn, Washington. Day’s moment of indelible courage occurred on April 6, 2007, during a deployment to the Anbar province of Iraq.
During a mission to capture a high-value target, Day led a team of four SEALs when enemy fire shot him 27 times. Despite his injuries, he continued to fight and single-handedly cleared two rooms of enemy combatants. Day was eventually evacuated and underwent extensive medical treatment, including 16 surgeries. He received the Silver Star for his actions that day and retired from the Navy in 2018.
Tragically, on March 27, 2023, Day took his own life after enduring a prolonged struggle with PTSD. He was 47 years old at the time of his death. His passing has left a deep void in the military community, and his legacy as a hero and advocate for wounded veterans will not be forgotten.
Mike Day’s Early Life and Education
Douglas “Mike” Day was born on May 24, 1975, in Honolulu, Hawaii. He grew up in Auburn, Washington, where he attended Auburn Senior High School.
After graduating from high school, Mike Day joined the United States Navy in 1996. He went on to attend Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training and graduated in 2002.
During his time in the Navy, Day served as a member of the elite SEAL Team 6 and was deployed to Iraq several times. He was known for his bravery and dedication to his country, which earned him several prestigious awards, including the Silver Star, Bronze Star with Valor, and Purple Heart.
Mike Day’s survival of being shot 27 times while on a mission in Iraq in 2007 earned him much recognition and praise. He became an inspiration to many and a symbol of the resilience and determination of the American military.
Despite his achievements, Mike Day struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after retiring from the Navy. On March 27, 2023, he tragically took his own life at the age of 47. His legacy as a hero and a patriot lives on, and his story continues to inspire many.
Career in the Navy SEALs
Mike Day served in the United States Navy as a Navy SEAL for over two decades. During his time in the Navy, he participated in many missions and received several awards and decorations.
Notable Missions
Day was a member of the SEAL team that conducted the raid on the compound of Osama bin Laden in 2011. He also participated in the rescue of Captain Richard Phillips from Somali pirates in 2009. In addition, Day was part of the team that conducted the rescue of Jessica Buchanan and Poul Hagen Thisted from Somali pirates in 2012.
Awards and Decorations
Day received numerous awards and decorations for his service in the Navy. He was awarded the Silver Star for his actions during a mission in Iraq in 2007. During the mission, Day was shot 27 times but continued to fight and saved the lives of his fellow SEALs. He also received two Bronze Stars, one with valor, and a Purple Heart for his service in Iraq.
In addition to his combat awards, Day was also awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat “V” device and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat “V” device for his service in Afghanistan.
Overall, Mike Day had a distinguished career in the Navy SEALs and served his country with honor and distinction.
