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.






