Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Major General Jackson Graham (ASN: 0-20553), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility, during the period from February 1961 to January 1967.

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Corps of Engineers)

    Action Date:

    September 10, 1957

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 58 (November 27, 1957)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Colonel (Corps of Engineers) Jackson Graham (ASN: 0-20553), United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy on 10 September 1957, over Coos Bay, Oregon. While completing an aerial inspection tour by helicopter of Corps of Engineer sites and installation in the Coos Bay area, the Army hopper dredge WILLIAM T. ROSSELL was noticed to be in a sunken condition on Coos Bay Bar with many of its crew clinging to the rigging on the superstructure. Upon observing the disaster, Colonel Graham instantly assumed command of the situation and, through his quick judgment and professional approach, immediately devised rescue operations utilizing the helicopter since heavy seas precluded the approach of surface vessels. Disregarding his personal danger Colonel Graham dropped ropes to the stranded crew while the helicopter hovered perilously close to the ship’s rigging where any unexpected movement would have caused a crash. His unselfish actions rescuing the victims when all other attempts had failed to reflect the utmost credit on himself and the military service.