Fort Walton Beach in Okaloosa County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

The Mistys

— Bud & Dorie Day Patriots' Trail —

Photographed by Mark Hilton, December 29, 2020

1. The Mistys Marker

Inscription. In 1967, a group of experienced jet fighter pilot volunteers was brought together in South Vietnam to form a Top Secret unit officially designated Operation Commando Sabre, but known by their now-famous call sign, "Misty," after Bud and Dorie's favorite song. Bud Day was their first commander. They were stationed at Phu Cat Air Base; in 1969, they moved to Tuy Hoa Air Base. Their mission was to fly the F-100F fast and low over enemy territory, as "Fast FACs" (Forward Air Controllers) armed with only their two 20mm cannons and 14 smoke-marking rockets. Mistys flew the two-seat version of the Super Sabre, the F-100F, and although they flew fast (400 knots), and continually jinked, changing direction to spoil the enemy's aim, 28% of the Misty pilots were shot down, some twice. Their commander, Col. Bud Day, was the first Misty pilot shot down over North Vietnam.

Mistys who survived the War included two Air Force Chiefs of Staff, seven general officers, two astronauts, numerous industry CEOs, and the first man to fly around the world unrefueled in a light aircraft.

The courageous Mistys, with Col. Bud Day at the helm, pioneered a unique jet FAC mission that continues to this day!

Erected 2015 by the City of Fort Walton Beach & Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce. (Marker

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Number 6.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Patriots & Patriotism. A significant historical year for this entry is 1967.

Location. 30° 25.013′ N, 86° 36.207′ W. Marker is in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, in Okaloosa County. It can be reached from Iowa Drive NE. Located along the trail just west of Iowa Dr. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Walton Beach FL 32548, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Florida Panhandle.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Prisoner of War (within shouting distance of this marker); Dorie's POW Negotiations (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Class Action Lawsuit (about 600 feet away); Bud & Dorie Day Patriots' Trail (approx. 0.2 miles away); Preserving and Protecting the Mound (approx. 0.9 miles away); a different marker also named Preserving and Protecting the Mound (approx. 0.9 miles away); Story of the Fort Walton Temple Mound (approx. 0.9 miles away); a different marker also named Story of the Fort Walton Temple Mound (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Walton Beach.

Also see . . . Misty Unofficial History. (Submitted on December 30, 2020, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)

The Mistys Marker along the trail. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, December 29, 2020

2. The Mistys Marker along the trail.

Portrait of USAF Colonel George Everett "Bud" Day image. Click for full size.

Public domain, May 28, 2008

3. Portrait of USAF Colonel George Everett "Bud" Day

Bud & Dorie Day Patriots' Trail image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, December 29, 2020

4. Bud & Dorie Day Patriots' Trail

Credits. This page was last revised on December 31, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 30, 2020, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 408 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 30, 2020, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.