The Air Force Cross. Illustration by Virginia Reyes of the Air Force News Agency. Image is 4x6 inches @ 200 ppi. The Air Force Cross is awarded for extraordinary heroism, which does not justify award of the Medal of Honor. The Air Force Cross was established by Congress on July 6, 1960 as a replacement for the Distinguished Service Cross when the award was made by Air Force Authority. The First Air Force Cross was awarded posthumously in 1962
Air Force Cross, awarded for extraordinary heroism, not justifying the award of a Medal of Honor, who while serving with the U.S. Air Force while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force, or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in conflict against an opposing Armed Force in which the US in not a belligerent party. Air Force Awards and Decorations (enhance color), U.S. Air Force graphic, AFNEWS/PAND. The JPG image is a stylized version whereas the EPS version is a two-dimensional line art illustration.
Background
This decoration was established by Congress, Public Law 88-593, on July 6, 1960, amended Section 8742 of Title 10, U.S. Code to change the designation of Distinguished Service Cross to Air Force Cross in case of awards made under Air Force Authority. This cross, therefore, is the Air Force version of the Distinguished Service Cross.
Criteria
It is awarded for extraordinary heroism, not justifying the award of a Medal of Honor, to any person, who while serving with the U.S. Air Force while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States, engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force, or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in conflict against an opposing Armed Force in which the United States in not a belligerent party.
Medal Description
The decoration was designed by Eleanor Cox, an employee of the Air Force and was sculpted by Thomas Hudson Jones of the Institute of Heraldry. It is a bronze cross with an oxidized satin finish. Centered on the cross is a gold-plated American bald eagle, wings displayed against a cloud formation (from the Air Force Crest). This design is encircled by a laurel wreath in green enamel, edged in gold. The reverse of the cross is blank and suitable for engraving.
Ribbon Description
The ribbon has a very wide center stripe of Brittany blue with narrow stripes of white and Old Glory Red at the edges.
