To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to Ret. Col. Robert J. Graham for acts of valor while as a member of the Air Force during the Vietnam War.
This bill authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor to Ret. Col. Robert J. Graham for his extraordinary acts of valor during the Vietnam War. It specifically recognizes his heroic actions on May 1, 1966, when, as a captain, he provided critical close air support during Operation Birmingham despite hazardous conditions and severe damage to his F-100 Super Sabre. His aircraft sustained severe damage from anti-aircraft artillery, forcing him to fly barely above stall speed, yet he continued his mission. Despite his crippled plane, Captain Graham responded to an urgent call, engaging over 4,000 North Vietnamese troops attacking an army base. With complete disregard for his own safety, he executed more than 15 passes, destroying enemy positions and neutralizing a significant number of forces, saving hundreds of American lives. His courageous actions turned the tide of the battle, demonstrating valor far beyond the call of duty, and the legislation includes a provision to waive existing time limitations for this distinguished award.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
Armed Forces and National Security
To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to Ret. Col. Robert J. Graham for acts of valor while as a member of the Air Force during the Vietnam War.
USA119th CongressHR-5293| House
| Updated: 9/10/2025
This bill authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor to Ret. Col. Robert J. Graham for his extraordinary acts of valor during the Vietnam War. It specifically recognizes his heroic actions on May 1, 1966, when, as a captain, he provided critical close air support during Operation Birmingham despite hazardous conditions and severe damage to his F-100 Super Sabre. His aircraft sustained severe damage from anti-aircraft artillery, forcing him to fly barely above stall speed, yet he continued his mission. Despite his crippled plane, Captain Graham responded to an urgent call, engaging over 4,000 North Vietnamese troops attacking an army base. With complete disregard for his own safety, he executed more than 15 passes, destroying enemy positions and neutralizing a significant number of forces, saving hundreds of American lives. His courageous actions turned the tide of the battle, demonstrating valor far beyond the call of duty, and the legislation includes a provision to waive existing time limitations for this distinguished award.