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.

Bill Number

H.R. 5293

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-09-10: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.

Last Updated

2025-09-12T02:18:22Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This legislation aims to authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor—the highest U.S. military decoration for valor—to retired Colonel Robert J. Graham for his heroic actions as a U.S. Air Force captain during the Vietnam War on May 1, 1966. It recognizes his bravery in providing close air support under extreme danger, which saved hundreds of American lives.

Key Provisions

• Findings Section: Details Graham's service, including:
• Launching his F-100 Super Sabre aircraft in monsoon weather to support an Army base under attack during Operation Birmingham.
• Sustaining severe damage from enemy anti-aircraft fire but continuing to fly at low speed using gravity-fed fuel.
• Responding to an urgent call for aid at another base facing over 4,000 North Vietnamese troops, making over 15 low-altitude strikes despite high personal risk.
• Destroying eight enemy gun positions, neutralizing over 1,500 enemy troops, and turning the battle's outcome.
• Graham's broader career: Enlisting in 1953, serving 26 years, flying over 500 combat missions across four Vietnam tours, and receiving the Silver Star for this incident.
• Authorization Section:
• Permits the President to award the Medal of Honor to Graham under 10 U.S.C. § 8291 (the law governing Medal of Honor awards).
• Specifies the valorous acts as his actions on May 1, 1966.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Waives statutory time limits under 10 U.S.C. § 8298 (which generally requires Medal of Honor awards within a few years of the act) and any other deadlines for military decorations.
• This is a targeted exception, allowing a late award over 50 years after the event, without altering the law for future cases.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Primarily affects the Department of the Air Force and the Department of Defense in processing the award, including any ceremonial aspects; no broader operational changes.
• On Citizens: Honors a Vietnam War veteran, potentially inspiring public recognition of military service and providing closure or pride for Graham, his family, and fellow veterans; limited direct impact on the general public.
• On International Relations: None significant, as it focuses on a past U.S. military action in the Vietnam War.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Primary: Retired Col. Robert J. Graham and his family, who would receive the formal recognition.
• Secondary: U.S. Air Force veterans and active personnel, the broader military community, and Vietnam War-era service members who may see this as validation of their sacrifices.
• Government: The President (who awards the medal), Congress (which authorizes it), and the House Committee on Armed Services (to which the bill was referred).

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Creates a narrow waiver of time limits for one individual, upholding congressional authority under Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution to regulate military awards; does not set a broad precedent but could encourage similar requests for overdue recognitions.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's power to "make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces," ensuring the award process remains executive (Presidential) with legislative oversight.
• Political: Symbolizes bipartisan respect for Vietnam War veterans, potentially fostering goodwill among military advocacy groups; introduced in the 119th Congress (2025), it reflects ongoing efforts to address historical oversights in military honors without partisan controversy.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Bresnahan, Robert P. [R-PA-8]

Recent Actions

• 2025-09-10: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
• 2025-09-10: Introduced in House
• 2025-09-10: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• 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. — issued 2025-09-10 — PDF (4 pages)