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 First Lieutenant Ralph Howard Graham (AFSN: FR-78669), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an RF-4C Pilot of the 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Tan Son Nhut Air Base, South Vietnam, in action over Southeast Asia on 24 January 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Graham flew an unescorted, night reconnaissance mission to photograph two heavily defended infiltration routes deep in unfriendly territory. Hampered by mechanical difficulties and poor weather conditions, he none the less obtained 100% photo coverage of his assigned targets. His determination and courage in the face of extreme adversities supplied friendly forces with valuable intelligence information concerning hostile supply movements. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Graham reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
12th Tactical Reconnaissance SquadronDivision:
Tan Son Nhut Air Base, South VietnamAction Date:
April 1 – 2, 1967
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-713 (May 20, 1967)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 to First Lieutenant Ralph Howard Graham (AFSN: FR-78669), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an RF-4C Pilot of the 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Tan Son Nhut Air Base, South Vietnam, in action over North Vietnam on 1 and 2 April 1967. During this period, Lieutenant Graham flew two aerial reconnaissance sorties over a suspected surface-to-air missile installation. Overcoming extremely unfavorable weather conditions and braving heavy hostile ground fire, Lieutenant Graham successfully accomplished pre-strike reconnaissance and post-strike damage assessment photography of his assigned target. As a direct result of his skill and dedication, a potentially grave threat to friendly air operations in Southeast Asia was destroyed and confirmed as such. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Graham reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
July 29, 1981 – April 9, 1985
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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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
12th Tactical Reconnaissance SquadronDivision:
Tan Son Nhut Air Base, South VietnamAction Date:
June 28, 1967
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Ralph Howard Graham (AFSN: FR-78669), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an RF-4C Pilot of the 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Tan Son Nhut Air Base, South Vietnam, in action over North Vietnam on 28 June 1967. On that date Lieutenant Graham was launched on short notice to photograph a very high priority target. The nature of the target was such that intricate maneuvering at slow airspeeds and low altitudes was required to insure proper target coverage. Despite intense fire from hostile automatic weapons and anti-aircraft guns Lieutenant Graham flew this mission with the utmost precision and achieved maximum target coverage. The intelligence obtained from this mission proved extremely important to a highly classified special project. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Graham reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
First LieutenantBatallion:
12th Tactical Reconnaissance SquadronDivision:
Tan Son Nhut Air Base, South VietnamAction Date:
July 30, 1967
Headquarters, Pacific Air Force, Special Orders G 59 (March 13, 1968)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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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelAction Date:
December 31, 1975 – July 25, 1980
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.
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
(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.
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
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.