IN REMEMBRANCE OF THIS FINE YOUNG MARINE CORPS OFFICER WHOSE NAME SHALL LIVE FOREVER MORE>>>>>CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR<<<<<
Posted for: JAMES ALBERT GRAHAM:
CAPTAIN


JAMES ALBERT GRAHAM


served with



COMPANY 'F'

2nd BATTALION

5th MARINES

1st MARINE DIVISION

FLEET MARINE FORCE


and was a posthumous recipient of the


MEDAL OF HONOR


who rests in honored glory in


ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY


ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA


" WHERE VALOR PROUDLY SLEEPS "



************************************************************



CITATION

FOR AWARD OF THE


MEDAL OF HONOR



QUANG TIN PROVINCE

REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM

2 JUNE 1967



For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty. During OPERATION UNION II,
the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, consisting of Companies 'A' and 'D',
with Captain Graham's company attached, launched an attack
against an enemy occupied position with two companies
assaulting and one in reserve. Company 'F', a leading company,
was proceeding across a clear paddy area 1000 meters wide,
attacking toward the assigned objective, when it came under
fire from mortars and small arms which immediately inflicted a
large number of casualties. Hardest hit by the enemy fire was
the 2nd Platoon of Company 'F', which was pinned down in the
open paddy area by intense fire from two concealed machine-guns.
Forming an assault unit from members of his small company
headquarters, Captain Graham boldly led a fierce assault
through the second platoon's position, forcing the enemy to
abandon the first machine-gun position, thereby relieving some of
the pressure on his second position, enabling evacuation of the
wounded to a more secure area. Resolute to silence the second
machine-gun, which continued its devastating fire, Captain
Graham's small force stood steadfast in its hard won enclave.
Subsequently, during the afternoon's fierce fighting, he
suffered two minor wounds while personally accounting for an
estimated 15 enemy killed. With the enemy position remaining
invincible upon each attempt to withdraw to friendly lines, and
although knowing that he had no chance of survival, he chose to
remain with one man who could not be moved due to the
seriousness of his wounds. The last radio transmission from
Captain Graham reported that he was being assaulted by a force
of 25 enemy soldiers; he died while protecting himself and the
wounded man he chose not to abandon. Captain Graham's
actions throughout the day were a series of heroic achievements.
His outstanding courage, superb leadership and indomitable
fighting spirit undoubtedly saved the second platoon from
annihilation and reflected great credit upon himself, the
United States Marine Corps, and the U.S. Naval service.
He gallantly gave his life for his country.



************************************************************


The


MEDAL OF HONOR


was presented to his family

on 29 October 1968

at the

Marine Barracks

Washington D.C.

by the

Secretary of the United States Navy

Paul R. Ignatius



************************************************************





THE PROUD YOUNG VALOR THAT ROSE ABOVE THE MORTAL

AND THEN, AT LAST, WAS MORTAL AFTER ALL





YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN

NOR SHALL YOU EVER BE
Posted by: CLAY MARSTON
Email:
Relationship: Other:
Sunday, June 2, 2002
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