To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to Ret. Col. Robert J. Graham for acts of valor while as a member of the Air Force during the Vietnam War.

House Votes

This bill allows the President to award the Medal of Honor to retired Air Force Colonel Robert J. Graham for his actions during the Vietnam War. It makes an exception to the usual time limits so the medal can be given now, even though many years have passed.

The bill explains that on May 1, 1966, during Operation Birmingham, then-Captain Graham flew a badly damaged jet in dangerous weather to protect U.S. troops under heavy attack. He made repeated attack runs, destroyed enemy gun positions, helped stop a large assault, and saved many American lives.

• Who is affected: Retired Col. Robert J. Graham and his family; communities that honor veterans.
• What changes: The President is authorized to award him the Medal of Honor, and the normal deadline for awarding it is waived.
• When: Applies to Graham’s actions on May 1, 1966; the waiver allows the award despite the passage of time.