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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Armor) Richard Gordon Graves (ASN: 0-83251), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Graves distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 January 1970 while commanding the 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry. On that date, Colonel Graves was aboard a Command and Control Helicopter flying in support of friendly ground elements conducting a reconnaissance in force operation west of Tam Ky. Spotting several enemy soldiers moving into a heavily wooded area, Colonel Graves immediately directed his pilot to maneuver over the location. Braving heavy volumes of hostile fire, Colonel Graves kept his aircraft hovering at a low level in order to report the enemy’s movements to the friendly ground unit. Colonel Graves then directed his ship through several firing runs over the insurgents’ position in order to pin them down. As the friendly ground units began closing on the hostile elements, Colonel Graves alertly spotted several enemy soldiers taking evasive action through an unguarded area. Reacting immediately, Colonel Graves called for supporting fire from several sister aircraft and succeeded in halting the enemy maneuver. Responding to a call for the evacuation of a seriously wounded friendly ground soldier, Colonel Graves directed his ship through heavy fire to a landing in an enemy infested area. Despite the concentration of hostile rounds directed on his position, Colonel Graves kept his aircraft on the ground until all the casualties were placed aboard before disengaging from the area. After flying the casualties to a medical aid station, Colonel Graves returned to the area and directed the ground units into night defensive positions. He then personally accompanied a re-supply helicopter through two missions to the ground unit. Through his timely and courageous actions, Colonel Graves was instrumental in the success of the mission and served as an inspiration to the entire unit. Lieutenant Colonel Graves’ personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Armor)

    Batallion:

    1st Squadron

    Regiment:

    1st Cavalry Regiment

    Division:

    23d Infantry Division (Americal)

    Action Date:

    January 6, 1970
    Headquarters, Americal Division, General Orders No. 2961 (March 25, 1970)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Armor) Richard Gordon Graves (ASN: 0-83251), United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Graves distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 6 January 1970 while commanding the 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 23d Infantry Division (Americal). On that date, Colonel Graves was flying aboard his Command and Control helicopter in support of friendly cavalry elements engaged with a large North Vietnamese Army force west of Tam Ky. Throughout the lengthy battle, Colonel Graves effectively deployed his men against the enemy soldiers and skillfully directed artillery and aerial support on the hostile positions. On several different occasions, he utilized his aircraft as a decoy to draw fire away from the ground forces, enabling his comrades to maneuver more effectively against the determined insurgents. Upon monitoring a request for the emergency evacuation of a critically wounded soldier, Colonel Graves ordered his pilot to touch down in the battle zone top pick up the casualty. Shortly after the ship lifted off, another evacuation request was received. With complete disregard for personal safety, Colonel Graves directed his pilot to return to the battlefield in order to extract the second casualty. Despite the heavy volumes of enemy fire directed against the Command and Control ship, the rescue operations were completed with minimal delay and both wounded soldiers were swiftly transported to a nearby medical facility. Upon returning to the point of contact, Colonel Graves spotted a helicopter which had been shot down in the enemy infested territory. Realizing the extreme urgency of the situation, he again ordered his pilot to descend through the enemy fire and extract the isolated crew. Colonel Graves’ courageous actions and inspirational leadership were highly instrumental in saving the lives of several comrades and in the overall success of the mission. Lieutenant Colonel Graves’ personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General

    Action Date:

    June 1981 – July 1991

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General Richard Gordon Graves (ASN: 0-83251), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States from June 1981 to July 1991, while serving in successive positions of great responsibility, culminating as Commanding General, III Corps and Fort Hood. Under his command, III Corps and Fort Hood units participated in Operation Just Cause, Joint Task Force SIX, and Hurricane HUGO relief efforts. During this period, he trained and deployed over 26,000 soldiers to Southwest Asia in support of Operations DESERT SHIELD/STORM, prepared two National Guard combat brigades and several Army Reserve units for combat, and concurrently executed the 2d Armored Division inactivation plan. In addition to his operational initiatives and achievements, General Graves made substantive improvements in the quality of life for Fort Hood soldiers, family members, and civilians. Lieutenant General Graves’ professionalism, dedication, and selfless service are consistent with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him and the United States Army.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    July 1974 – June 1979

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel Richard Gordon Graves (ASN: 0-83251), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, 3d Brigade, 8th Infantry Division, and as Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3, and Chief of Staff, V Corps, United States Army, Europe, from July 1974 to June 1979. Colonel Graves’ performance of duty was consistently characterized by professionalism, thoroughness and pride. V Corps’ overwhelming success during field training exercise CERTAIN SHIELD REFORGER 1979 was directly attributable to his initiative, detailed planning, and thorough professional guidance in the key role as Corps G-3. Colonel Graves’ exceptional performance of duty reflects the highest credit upon him and the United States Army.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General

    Action Date:

    1988 – 1991

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant General Richard Gordon Graves (ASN: 0-83251), United States Army, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Army Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commanding General, III Corps and Fort Hood, from 1988 to 1991.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Armor)

    Batallion:

    Headquarters and Headquarters Troop

    Regiment:

    1st Cavalry

    Division:

    23d Infantry Division (Americal)

    Action Date:

    May 10 – July 10, 1970
    Headquarters, Americal Division, General Orders No. 8878 (July 11, 1970)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Armor) Richard Gordon Graves (ASN: 0-83251), United States Army, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Graves distinguished himself from 10 May 1970 to 10 July 1970 while commanding the 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry. During this period, he consistently and unhesitatingly assumed the great risks inherent in flying over enemy territory while personally directing his squadron in combat operations against a hostile armed force. Frequently taking his Command and Control helicopter into areas of heavy enemy contact, Colonel Graves responded to the needs of his men by using his aircraft for evacuation and re-supply missions. In every phase of his command, Colonel Graves displayed highly flexible and imaginative use of aviation resources which contributed significantly to the successful accomplishment of his unit’s mission. His outstanding ability in controlling and coordinating ground operations and his steadfast determination to support his men regardless of the personal danger involved are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Action Date:

    July 1969 – July 1970

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel Richard Gordon Graves (ASN: 0-83251), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service during the period July 1969 to July 1970, while serving consecutively as Executive Officer, 11th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division and as Commanding Officer, 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry, Americal Division in the Republic of Vietnam. In both of these exceedingly demanding positions, he successfully completed all assigned tasks with dispatch and efficiency, continually obtaining truly outstanding results. During his tenure as Executive Officer, Colonel Graves devoted his energy and ability towards coordinating all of the Brigade’s complex and diverse activities. His efforts resulted in a smooth running and well-managed organization which freed the Brigade Commander to concentrate his attention on the tactical situation. As Commanding Officer, 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry, he displayed remarkable military expertise while directing his unit to many tactical victories over numerically superior enemy forces. As a result of his continuing interest in the welfare and morale of his men, Colonel Graves unhesitatingly visited the combat units in their field locations and spent many nights in their defensive positions. His unyielding devotion to duty has enabled him to make a material contribution to the allied effort in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Graves’ professional competence and outstanding achievements are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.