National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027

Floor Speech

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Mr. BRESNAHAN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of this en bloc, which includes an amendment that calls on the President to award the Medal of Honor to Colonel Bob Graham of Nuangola, Pennsylvania.

On May 1, 1966, at the height of Operation Birmingham in the Vietnam war, then-Captain Graham flew his battle-damaged F-100 Super Sabre through monsoon weather to reach American troops surrounded by 4,000 enemy soldiers.

He made more than 15 low-level attack passes under heavy artillery fire, knowing full well he may not survive. He not only survived, but destroyed eight enemy gun positions, neutralized over 1,500 enemy troops, and broke the back of that assault, saving hundreds of American lives.

Colonel Graham flew over 500 combat missions across four tours in Vietnam and served this country faithfully for 26 years.

He already earned the Silver Star for his heroic actions that day. However, it is past time that we recognize his actions went above and beyond the call of duty.

I urge my colleagues to support this and finally give Colonel Graham the recognition he has long since earned.

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