Aug. 4, 2010 Distinguished Flying Cross BACKGROUNDThe Distinguished Flying Cross, authorized by an Act of Congress of July 2, 1926 (amended by Executive Order 7786 on Jan. 8, 1938), was awarded first to Capt. Charles A. Lindbergh, of the U.S. Army Corps Reserve, for his solo flight of 3,600 miles across the Atlantic in 1927, a feat which
Aug. 4, 2010 Distinguished Service Medal BACKGROUNDThis decoration, established by Congress on July 6, 1960, is awarded to members of the United States Air Force who distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service to the government in a duty of great responsibility, in combat or otherwise. MEDAL DESCRIPTIONThe Air Force
Aug. 23, 2010 European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal BACKGROUNDThis medal is awarded for service in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater between Dec. 7, 1941 and Nov. 8, 1945, under the same conditions described under those for the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal. The same also applies in awarding the Bronze Service Star and Arrowhead
Aug. 4, 2010 Gallant Unit Citation BACKGROUNDIn March 2004, the Secretary of the Air Force approved the Gallant Unit Citation to recognize organizations for outstanding heroism in combat. CRITERIAAwarded to Air Force active duty, Reserve, and Air National Guard units for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy of the
Aug. 4, 2010 Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal BACKGROUNDIn March 2003, President Bush approved the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for award to Air Force active duty, Reserve and Guard personnel as recognition for their service in the Global War on Terrorism. For eligibility of the GWOT-E, individuals must have deployed abroad, on
Aug. 4, 2010 Global War on Terrorism Service Medal BACKGROUNDIn March 2003, President Bush approved the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal for award to Air Force active duty, Reserve and Guard personnel as recognition for their service in the Global War on Terrorism. CRITERIAThe Chief of Staff of the Air Force authorizes the wearing of the GWOT-S
Aug. 23, 2010 Humanitarian Service Medal BACKGROUNDThis medal was authorized by Executive Order 11965, Jan. 19, 1977. It was established to honor personnel of the armed forces of the United States who distinguished themselves by meritorious direct participation (hands on) in a significant military act or operation of a humanitarian nature,
July 27, 2016 Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal BACKGROUNDThe Secretary of Defense announced the creation of the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal. The IRCM provides distinct recognition to those service members who are serving, or have served, in Iraq, Syria, or contiguous waters or airspace on or after June 15, 2014, to a future date to be
Aug. 4, 2010 Iraq Campaign Medal BACKGROUNDOn Nov. 29, 2004, Public Law 108-234 and Executive Order 13363 approved the Iraq Campaign Medal to recognize service members who are serving or have served in the country of Iraq and the contiguous water area out to 12 nautical miles, and all air spaces above the land area of Iraq and
Feb. 15, 2011 Joint Meritorious Unit Award BACKGROUNDAuthorized by the Secretary of Defense on June 10, 1981, this award was originally called the Department of Defense Meritorious Unit Award. It is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to joint activities for meritorious achievement or service, superior to that which is normally