Karl S. Day

Karl Schmolsmire Day (May 30, 1896 – January 19, 1973) was a naval aviator of the United States Marine Corps Reserve who rose to the rank of Lieutenant General. A veteran of World War I, Day served with Northern Bombing Group on the Belgian front and awarded the Navy Cross, the United States military's second-highest decoration credited for valor in combat. He then resigned his commission and worked in various civilian jobs until the beginning of World War II. Day was subsequently recalled to active duty and served as Air Base Commander during the Battle of Peleliu in September 1944.

Early career and World War I Karl S. Day was born on May 30, 1896, in Friendship, Indiana, as the son of Franklin G. and Edith R. Day. After high school, Day enrolled the Ohio State University in Athens, Ohio, and graduated with bachelor's degree in 1917. He entered the Marine Corps service in May 1917 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. Day was subsequently sent to the Officer School at Quantico for further training and following the graduation, he was ordered for the flight training. He was meantime promoted to the rank of first lieutenant. They had a son, John F., a former captain in the Marine Corps Reserve, and a daughter, Nancy.

Decorations Here is the ribbon bar of Lieutenant General Karl S. Day: