THE WALL OF FACES

"It's been a pleasure soldering with you, this is my last transmission". My father, Colonel Houghton told me the story of Capt Graham' heroics many times. "One of the bravest Marines I ever had the pleasure of serving with", he would tell me.
You should be so proud. All the best.

Dear Captain James Graham,
Thank you for your service as an Infantry Officer, and for receiving the MEDAL OF HONOR. It has been too long, and it's about time for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

James Albert Graham
Date of birth: August 25, 1940
Date of death: DOW June 3, 1967
Burial location: Arlington, Virginia
Place of Birth: Pennsylvania, Wilkinsburg
Home of record: Prince Georges Maryland
Status: KIA

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Medal of Honor

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Captain James Albert Graham (MCSN: 0-88847), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 2 June 1967, while serving with Company F, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in action against enemy forces in Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam. During Operation UNION II, the First Battalion, Fifth 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 1,000 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 2d platoon of Company F, which was pinned down in the open paddy area by intense fire from two concealed machineguns. 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 machinegun position, thereby relieving some of the pressure on his second platoon, and enabling evacuation of the wounded to a more secure area. Resolute to silence the second machinegun, 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 Marine Corps, and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Action Date: 2-Jun-67

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Captain

Company: Company F

Battalion: 2d Battalion

Regiment: 5th Marines

Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.) FMF

Thank you Skipper, so many lived because of your sacrifice. You was right, it was the only option left. Semper Fi

no greater sacrifice than dying protecting your men...anyone have any idea who the Marine was that was wounded and Capt Graham stayed behind to protect?