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Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Captain Donald Douglas Graham (AFSN: FR-78667), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as a B-57 Navigator-Bombardier of the 8th Tactical Bombardment Squadron, Clark Air Force Base, Philippine Islands, in action in Southeast Asia on 2 November 1967. On that date, Captain Braham was diverted from his original mission to come to the aid of another flight of aircraft that was receiving intense and accurate 37-mm. ground fire from hostile forces defending a truck convoy. Despite the perilous mountain terrain and intense ground fire, Captain Graham directed his pilot on repeated passes against the hostile defenses until he had silenced or destroyed many of the gun sites, materially enhanced the safety of the other aircraft, and ignited numerous secondary explosions in the target area. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Graham has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    8th Tactical Bombardment Squadron

    Division:

    Clark Air Force Base, Philippine Islands

    Action Date:

    July 21, 1967
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-1634 (October 15, 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 First Lieutenant Donald Douglas Graham (AFSN: FR-78667), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a B-57 Navigator-Bombardier of the 8th Tactical Bombardment Squadron, Clark Air Force Base, Philippine Islands, in action over North Vietnam on 21 July 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Graham’s aircraft was assigned to work with an F4C flight that was receiving heavy and accurate ground fire from radar controlled guns. Descending into the target after coordinating with the F4C flight, and deliberately drawing the ground fire in order to pinpoint the hostile positions, he aided in the destruction of two of the radar directed sites and the damaging of two others. By his actions, the possible loss of two tactical aircraft was averted and a major concentration of radar directed sites was destroyed. 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.