HR 5293119th CongressIntroduced

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.

Introduced: Sep 10, 2025

Defense & National SecurityVeterans Affairs

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This bill would authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to Ret. Col. Robert J. Graham for acts of valor performed as a member of the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. Specifically, it recognizes Captain Graham’s actions on May 1, 1966, during Operation Birmingham, when he flew a damaged F-100 against enemy positions to support Army defenders under heavy attack. The text describes extraordinary bravery, including continuing operations despite severe equipment damage and dangerous conditions, and personally destroying multiple enemy targets while risking his own life. The bill also provides a waiver of time limits to allow the Medal of Honor to be awarded despite normal statutory deadlines. The measure has been introduced in the House and referred to the Committee on Armed Services; it is not yet law.

Key Points

1Authorization to award: The President may award the Medal of Honor to Ret. Col. Robert J. Graham for his actions as a captain in the Air Force on May 1, 1966, during Vietnam War operations.
2Waiver of time limits: The bill waives standard time limits for awarding the Medal of Honor, allowing consideration outside the usual statutory deadlines.
3Acts of valor described: On May 1, 1966, Graham launched an F-100 under adverse conditions, sustained damage yet kept the aircraft flying, and conducted multiple combat passes to neutralize enemy forces, including destroying eight anti-aircraft gun positions and potentially saving hundreds of lives.
4Prior recognition and career: Graham had previously been awarded the Silver Star for these actions and served four Vietnam tours, flying more than 500 combat missions over a 26-year Air Force career.
5Legislative status: Introduced in the 119th Congress by Mr. Bresnahan on September 10, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Armed Services; sponsor is listed as unknown in the header.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected: Ret. Col. Robert J. Graham and his family; U.S. Air Force personnel and veterans, particularly those with long combat careers or who served in Vietnam.Secondary group/area affected: Military and veterans communities, policymakers, and public recognition of Congressional support for Medal of Honor awards; potential influence on future consideration of time-limit waivers for MOH nominations.Additional impacts: Ceremonial acknowledgement and prestige for Graham and the Air Force; possible guidance or precedent for how late nominations or retrospective recognitions are handled, without changing otherMOH nomination processes. Financial or administrative costs are minimal beyond ceremonial decoration and record updates.

Generated by gpt-5-nano on Oct 2, 2025