H.R. 5293: 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 seeks to authorize the President of the United States to award the Medal of Honor to Retired Colonel Robert J. Graham for his acts of valor during the Vietnam War. The key points of the bill include:

Findings

• On May 1, 1966, during Operation Birmingham, then-Captain Robert J. Graham conducted a combat mission under perilous conditions, despite being grounded due to severe weather.
• His aircraft suffered significant damage from anti-aircraft fire, which impaired its ability to operate normally.
• Despite the challenging circumstances and the peril to his own life, Capt. Graham carried out multiple strikes against enemy forces that were threatening an Army base, significantly outnumbering U.S. troops.
• He demonstrated exceptional bravery by completing more than 15 attack passes, successfully neutralizing enemy positions and saving numerous American lives.
• His heroic actions during this operation were recognized with a Silver Star at the time.
• Ret. Col. Graham had a distinguished military career, serving for 26 years and completing over 500 combat missions.
• The bill posits that his actions on that day exemplify the highest ideals of service and sacrifice and warrant the Medal of Honor.

Authorization for Award

The bill includes provisions for:

• Waiving the usual time limitations for awarding the Medal of Honor as specified in federal law, thus allowing the President to award it to Col. Graham retroactively for his actions on May 1, 1966.
• Specifically detailing that the acts of valor for which the Medal of Honor is being awarded pertain solely to Col. Graham's actions during that specific mission in Vietnam.

Conclusion of Bill's Intent

The intent of this legislation is to honor Ret. Col. Robert J. Graham for his extraordinary courage and military service during a critical moment in U.S. military history.

Relevant Companies