World War I
Day served with a Royal Marine detachment on the battleship HMS Britannia.
On 9 November 1918, two days before the armistice, the ship was torpedoed and sunk. Day distinguished himself by twice returning below deck, through smoke and flames, to rescue two injured men trapped inside which included the ward-room steward. For this act of bravery, Day was awarded Albert Medal (sea, second class). The citation appeared in the London Gazette on 7 January 1919.
In 1971 all Albert Medal holders became eligible to exchange their award for a George Cross, which Day did.
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