The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Jimmy J. McGraw for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty: Captain McGraw distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement while on a regimental operation in Dinh Tuong Province. Moments after directing the troop transport helicopters into the landing zone CPT McGraw sighted 20 Viet Cong fleeing the area. The accurate placement of his rockets into the enemy caused them to slow their retreat, thereby giving the armed helicopters a more concentrated target. Under the direction of CPT McGraw the armed helicopters were able to kill 75% of the enemy. He flew his aircraft at minimum altitudes through heavy enemy ground fire locating enemy position, directing artillery and airstrikes. Acting with vigor and determination, even though his aircraft was hit twice, he remained over the enemy positions directing supporting fire and marking targets only leaving the area to refuel and rearm. His technical knowledge and untiring efforts throughout the three day operation were prime contributing factors in the low casualty rate of the ground units. Captain McGraw’s professional competence and courageous actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

General Orders: : Headquarters, 1^st Aviation Brigade, General Orders No. 3961 (August 7, 1967)

Action Date: 16-18 May 1967

Service: Army

Rank: Captain