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Air Medal
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This decoration, established by
Executive Order 9158, 11 May 1942, as amended by Executive Order 9242, 11
September 1942 is awarded to U.S. and civilian personnel for single acts of heroism
or meritorious achievments while participating in aerial flight and foreign
military personnel in actual combat in support of operations. Required
achievement is less than that required for the Distingushed Flying Cross, but
must be accomplished with distinction above and beyond that expected of
professional airmen. It is not awarded for peace time sustained operational
activities and flights. Approval or disapproval authority is delegated to
MAJCOM/CC/CV for military and Secretary of the Air Force for civilians and
foreign military personnel. MAJCOMs will identify the missions and positions
that qualify for this award. HQ USAF/XO must certify MAJCOM criteria. This decoration is the same for all
branches of the Armed Forces of the United States. The medal (pictured below)
was designed by Walker K. Hancock, after an open competition, which also
carried a cash award of $1,500 for the winning design. The medal is a bronze compass rose of
sixteen points that is surrounded by a fleur-de-lis design in the top point.
On the obverse, in the center, is an American Eagle, swooping downward
(attacking) and clutching a lightning bolt in each talon. The reverse has a
raised disk on the compass rose, left blank for the recipient's name and
rank. The ribbon has a broad stripe of ultramarine blue in the
center flanked on either side by a wide stripe of golden orange, and with a
narrow stripe of ultramarine blue at the edge. The original colors of the
Army Air Corps. Authroized Device: Oak leaf Cluster
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