Ralph Graham graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Class of 1964. He retired in 1994 as a U.S. Air Force Brigadier General.

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Ralph Graham graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Class of 1964. He retired in 1994 as a U.S. Air Force Brigadier General.





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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 Ralph Howard Graham (AFSN: FR-78669), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Vice Commander and Commander, Detachment 3, Air Force Flight Test Center, Henderson, Nevada, from 29 July 1981 to 9 April 1985. During this period, Colonel Graham’s superior leadership, innovative management, ceaseless dedication and personal drive led the buildup and enhancement of capabilities for the support, test and evaluation of numerous classified, extremely sensitive, presidentially directed research and development programs of the highest national priority. With untiring resolve, he ensured all necessary technical, safety and support details of these multi-agency and joint serviced programs were upheld and well-managed through planning, testing and reporting phases. He initiated numerous programs which enhanced strict security procedures, improved work environment, worker productivity and unit morale, and greatly increased mission and support effectiveness, while saving untold millions of dollars. Colonel Graham’s unyielding commitment and personal involvement at all levels of these programs have created tremendous unprecedented capabilities for many vital nationally significant programs, and have contributed greatly to the improvement of the future defense posture of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Graham and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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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 First Lieutenant Ralph Howard Graham (AFSN: FR-78669), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as an RF-4C Aircraft Commander of the 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Tan Son Nhut Air Base, South Vietnam, in action over North Vietnam on 30 July 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Graham guided his unarmed aircraft through marginal weather and intense hostile fire to obtain photographic coverage of a heavily defended infiltration route. While accomplishing the target run, Lieutenant Graham’s aircraft was hit by a flak burst and severely crippled. In spite of extensive damage and the great hazard of loss of control or explosion, he skillfully maneuvered the aircraft to an emergency recovery at DaNang Air Base. The aircraft and two lives were saved, and the vitally important photography was returned to be used effectively. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Graham has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
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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 Ralph Howard Graham (AFSN: FR-78669), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while assigned to the Deputy Chief of Staff, Research, Development and Acquisition, Headquarters, United States Air Force, from 31 December 1975 to 25 July 1980. As the F-15 Program Element Monitor, and Executive to the Deputy Chief of Staff, Research, Development and Acquisition, the leadership, foresight, and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by Colonel Graham resulted in significant contributions to the effectiveness and success of he Air Force Research, Development and Acquisition Programs. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Graham and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Brigadier General Ralph Howard Graham (AFSN: FR-78669), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Director of Special Programs, Office of the Undersecretary of Defense, Acquisition, Washington, D.C., from August 1992 to 1994. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Graham culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Under the provisions of Executive Order 11545, July 9, 1970, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America take pleasure in awarding the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General Ralph Howard Graham (AFSN: FR-78669), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service contributing to national security and defense, in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Director of Special Programs, Office of the Undersecretary of Defense, Acquisition, Washington, D.C., from August 1992 to 1994. The distinctive accomplishments of General Graham reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.