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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 with Combat “V” to Captain Olaff Delmas Graffagnino (AFSN: FR-71377), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an RF-101 reconnaissance pilot near Thai Nguyen and Ha Gia, North Vietnam, on 9 August 1967. On that date, Captain Graffagnino led a flight of two unarmed and unescorted RF-101 aircraft deep into North Vietnam to photograph portions of the Thai Nguyen-Hanoi Railroad. Despite left engine problems which required operation in the emergency fuel system, heavy tracking eight-five millimeter flak at Thai Nguyen, and missile launch indications over Phuc Yen Airfield, he exhibited outstanding combat professionalism by obtaining one hundred percent photographic coverage of all assigned targets plus nineteen other high interest targets. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Graffagnino reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    20th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron

    Division:

    Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-1205 (1967)

    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 Captain Olaff Delmas Graffagnino (AFSN: FR-71377), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an RF-101 reconnaissance Pilot near Kep Airfield, North Vietnam, on (date unreadable), 1967. On that date, Captain Graffagnino flew the wing position in a flight of two RF-101 aircraft on a photo reconnaissance mission over heavily defended, high interest targets. Despite interference from two surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft artillery fire, he was able to obtain one hundred percent photographic coverage of all assigned target while alerting his leader of enemy defenses. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Graffagnino reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    20th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron

    Division:

    Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    July 31, 1967
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special orders G-2166 (December 4, 1967)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Olaff Delmas Graffagnino (AFSN: FR-71377), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 20th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 31 July 1967. On that date, Captain Graffagnino flew wing position in a flight of two unarmed RF-101 reconnaissance aircraft to obtain a thirty mile photographic strip of the Northeast Railroad. Despite accurate and intense barrages of eighty-five millimeter flak that twice completely surrounded his aircraft, Captain Graffagnino continued his photo run in wings level flight and obtained full photographic coverage of all assigned targets. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Graffagnino has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.