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.

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.