Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Gordon
Marion
Graham
February 16, 1918

–

March 22, 2008

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

Gordon Graham graduated from the University of California in 1940. He became a P-51 ACE in World War II, officially credited with 7 aerial victories and decades later flew 146 combat missions during the war in Vietnam. He retired in 1973 as a U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    354th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    355th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) Gordon Marion Graham (AFSN: 0-7661/AO 424744), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a P-51 Fighter Airplane and Commander of the 354th Fighter Squadron, 355th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    Division:

    7th Air Force

    Action Date:

    July 15, 1966 – August 15, 1967
    Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-259 (July 20, 1967)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Gordon Marion Graham (AFSN: 0-7661/AO 424744), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Vice Commander of the SEVENTH Air Force, during the period from 15 July 1966 to 15 August 1967. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Graham reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    354th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    355th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    October 1944 – April 1945
    Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 101 (June 26, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Air Corps) Gordon Marion Graham (AFSN: 0-7661/AO 424744), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action as Pilot of a P-51 Fighter Airplane and Commander of the 354th Fighter Squadron, 355th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action from October 1944 to April 1945. To better equip himself for the responsibilities attendant to leading Fighter units in combat, Colonel Graham flew practically every position in the squadron formation. His willingness to share in the same risks and dangers as the other pilots quickly earned for him the respect and admiration of the entire unit. As proof of his combat skill, enthusiasm, and zealous fighting spirit, Colonel Graham can look with pride on his outstanding record of nine enemy planes destroyed between 8 April 1945 and 16 April 1945. Colonel Graham’s earnest prosecution of the aerial offensive against the enemy during this period reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant General Gordon Marion Graham (AFSN: 0-7661/AO 424744), United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Graham and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    354th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    355th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) Gordon Marion Graham (AFSN: 0-7661/AO 424744), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a P-51 Fighter Airplane and Commander of the 354th Fighter Squadron, 355th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.