Eight years ago, while on tour in Iraq, US Navy SEAL Mike Day was attacked by three Al-Qaeda insurgents and was caught in what he describes as “a single gunfight on an ordinary day at the office.”
According to the Telegraph, Day was hit 27 times by enemy fire. Although 11 of the rounds were blocked by his body armor, he was seriously wounded by 16 shots. After being shot, a grenade exploded just a few feet from him, and he was knocked unconscious for approximately a minute. He woke up and killed two of his attackers with his pistol.
Despite being grievously wounded, Day was able to walk back to the medical chopper under his own power.
On his personal website, Day describes the horrific injuries he suffered that fateful day –
“I was shot twenty-seven times at close range and received shrapnel wounds from a grenade. I was shot in both legs, both arms, my left thumb was almost amputated, I was shot in the abdomen and had a colostomy bag for a year, my right scapula was shattered, I was shot twice in the buttocks, once in the scrotum and my body armor was hit multiple times which caused fractured ribs and contusions on my lungs.”
For all his injuries, Day only spent 16 days in the hospital before being discharged.
Unbelievably, Day is now training to compete in the Ironman Triathlon Challenge in Florida as part of his effort to raise funds for the care and treatment of wounded soldiers who have suffered severe brain injuries.
He writes, “The Brain Treatment Foundation is the non–profit division of the Carrick Brain Treatment Center, an organization that delivers state-of-the-art customized treatment programs to individuals suffering from traumatic brain injuries and other neurological issues.”
Day hopes to raise at least $75,000 through his efforts. During the event, he will swim 1.2 miles, ride a bicycle for 56 miles, and then run the final 13 miles.
“My survival was an absolute miracle! I am a miracle and was saved to do greater things! My life’s mission now is not about me. Rather, it is to care for and lead my wounded brothers and sisters. My fellow warriors deserve the best available treatment for their injuries,” Day said.
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