During his school years, he was a senior patrol leader of the Boy Scouts of America and President of the Methodist Youth Fellowship.

Graves was battalion commander of his NROTC unit and a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity while attending Miami University.

While on patrol 6 miles (9.7 km) northwest of Đông Hà in Quang Tri Province on 16 February 1968, his unit was engaged by People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) soldiers.

Wounded in the firefight, Lt. Graves called in air strikes and direct artillery fire while he guided his troops to a helicopter evacuation zone.

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a platoon commander with the 3rd Force Reconnaissance Company.

2d Lt. Graves' outstanding courage, superb leadership and indomitable fighting spirit throughout the day were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Navy.