AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Daniel E. Graham for heroism while participating in aerial flight against the enemy as a Pilot of jet aircraft while attached to Attack Squadron One Six Five embarked in USS Constellation (CVA-64). On 16 April 1972, Lieutenant Graham was assigned as Pilot of an A6 Intruder to fly a night, single-plane, low-level bombing mission against a surface-to air missile site located in the highly defended city of Haiphong, North Vietnam. Enroute to the target, Lieutenant Graham utilized hard maneuvering, electronic countermeasures and his low altitude to evade numerous surface-to-air missiles and heavy concentrations of anti-aircraft artillery. Once committed to the attack he boldly ignored the threats and kept his aircraft straight and level to insure the accuracy of his bombs on the target. The effectiveness of the mission was clearly demonstrated when later strike groups in the Haiphong area received minimal surface-to-air missile reaction. Lieutenant Graham's courageous determination and aerial skill reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.