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H.R. 5293 authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor to retired Colonel Robert J. Graham for extraordinary heroism during the Vietnam War. On May 1, 1966, then-Captain Graham flew his damaged F-100 Super Sabre on more than 15 combat passes to provide close air support to Army bases under heavy attack, destroying eight enemy anti-aircraft positions and neutralizing over 1,500 North Vietnamese troops while saving hundreds of American lives—all despite his aircraft being severely damaged and his own survival being unlikely. Graham had previously received the Silver Star for these same actions and served 26 years as a fighter pilot, completing four tours in Vietnam and flying over 500 combat missions. The bill waives the normal time limitations for awarding the Medal of Honor, which typically must be presented within a certain timeframe, allowing the President to recognize Graham's valor nearly 60 years after the events occurred. There is no funding required for this legislation, as it simply authorizes a presidential award.

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