The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Captain Clifford E. Day, United States Air Force, for meritorious achievement as an insurgent team security member while engaged in ground operations against an opposing armed force in Panama, from 18 December 1989 to 20 December 1989. During this period, Captain Day was the leader of a security element for one of several teams that conducted covert special operations missions prior to the start of the United States invasion of Panama. After conducting a nighttime combat airborne insertion, Captain Day provided security escort for one of these special operations teams. During the movement phases of the operation, he provided both overwatch and point security. Upon arrival at designated locations, at times tactically maneuvering 20 to 30 kilometers, Captain Day was responsible for establishing patrol base security. Even after these extremely exhausting combat movement phases, security was expeditiously established and the integrity of the mission never compromised. Captain Day’s courage, stamina, and expertise during round-the-clock combat operations directly resulted in the successful completion of this operation. The exemplary leadership, personal endeavor, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Day in this responsible position reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in Lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain Clifford E. Day, United States Air Force, for heroism while engaged in ground combat against an enemy of the United States in Southwest Iraq, from 22 January 1991 to 31 January 1991. During this period, Captain Day demonstrated gallantry, superior leadership, and outstanding devotion to duty while performing a classified, joint special operations mission in support of Operation DESERT STORM. Captain Day was the leader of a security element for a team deployed behind enemy lines to verify intelligence data concerning enemy troop movements and topography, and to destroy, if found, Iraqi mobile Scud missile launchers. On day three of the mission, his team experienced hostile enemy fire. Through the application of his superior tactical leadership, sound judgment and courage, Captain Day tactically maneuvered the team away from the affected area, avoiding further enemy contact, thus ensuring the safety of the team and its mission. Two days later, Captain Day once again displayed his intrepidity by providing laser designation points for coalition aircraft, which led to an air strike and subsequent destruction of an Iraqi armored column. Immediately following the air strike, he evaded enemy contact, by navigating the team to a secure location. Captain Day’s courageous, immediate actions, under the intense stress of combat, resulted in the gathering of valuable intelligence concerning regional topography and enemy troop movements, thus aiding coalition ground commanders with their development of the ground campaign. By his heroic actions and unselfish dedication to duty, Captain Day has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.