Jared Day was born on August 12, 1982, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on July 1, 2002, and went on active duty to begin basic training on November 25, 2002. Day completed basic training at NTC Great Lakes, Illinois, in February 2003, and then attended Information Systems Technician A School at NTC Great Lakes from February to May 2003. His first assignment was at Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station Keflavik, Iceland, from June 2003 to July 2004, followed by additional training with Fleet Aviation Specialized Operational Training Group Pacific at Naval Air Station North Island, California, in July and August 2004. Petty Officer Day served with the Naval Special Warfare Command at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, California, from August to November 2004, and then served with Naval Special Warfare Group 3 at NAB Coronado from November 2004 to November 2007. His final assignment was with Naval Special Warfare Development Group at Dam Neck, Virginia, from November 2007 until he was killed in action when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter he was aboard was shot down in Afghanistan on August 6, 2011. Jared Day was buried at Kanosh Cemetery in Kanosh, Utah. On July 24, 2013, Petty Officer First Class Jared W. Day was posthumously awarded the National Intelligence Medal for Valor by the Director of National Intelligence, James R. Clapper.

His Joint Service Commendation Medal w/Valor Citation reads:

Petty Officer First Class Jared W. Day, United States Navy, distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous achievement as a Mission Support Site Tactical Communicator for a Joint Task Force in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM from 24 February 2010 to 25 June 2010. During this period, Petty Officer First Class Day flawlessly managed tactical and garrison communications for a remote mission support site. On 2 May 2010, his actions under fire were critical in stopping a border checkpoint from being overrun by enemy fighters. After a four kilometer dismounted patrol through mountainous terrain, his element was engaged; by rocked propelled grenades and effective enemy small arms fire. Petty Officer First Class Day spotted and engaged enemy fighters and maneuvered with the ground force Commander while providing situational awareness to higher headquarters to coordinate reinforcements and close air support assets. His efforts ensured the successful execution of the mission and the safe extraction of all ground forces. The distinctive accomplishments of Petty Officer First Class Day reflect great credit upon him, the United States Navy, and the Department of Defense.