Master Sergeant Thomas Keith Graves

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Master Sergeant Graves of Harrisburg, U.S. Air Force, Vietnam, awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Force Commendation medal, and eleven awards of the Air medal. that includes what they do, how long they’ve been at it, and what got them to where they are.

Thomas Graves initially enlisted in the United States Navy Resr4erve 29 May 1949 and subsequently enlisted in the Regular United Sates Air Force on 22 December 1051 and retired 9 March 1972. On 10 August 1965 while on operations in the Republic of Vietnam Staff Sergeant Graces earned the Distinguished Flying Cross. 

The narrative reads as follows: Staff Sergeant Thomas K. Graves distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-123 Flight Mechanic at Chaudron, Republic of Vietnam on 10 August 1965. On that date, while engaged in a critical emergency resupply mission, the predesignated assault strip was declared insecure, necessitating the implementation of aerial drop procedures for which the aircraft was improperly crewed and equipped. In the face of overwhelming obstacles, Sergeant Graves assisted in fashioning a drop gate from an extra seat belt and helped jettison the cargo while closely monitoring aircraft systems, completing the delivery of ammunition with outstanding success to prevent the overrun of a strategic Special Forces camp by hostile troops. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by sergeant Graves reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. 

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Master Sergeant Graves of Harrisburg, U.S. Air Force, Vietnam, awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Force Commendation medal, and eleven awards of the Air medal.