Medals and Ribbons by Precedence

Medal's Design: Designed by Lewis J. King, Jr., of the Army's Institute of Heraldry. It is a gold finished five pointed star, one point down, tipped with trefoils and each point containing a crown of laurel and oak on a green enamel background. Centered on the star is an annular of thirty-four stars which surround the profile of the head from the Statue of Liberty. The star is surrounded by a green enameled laurel wreath, edged in gold. The medal is suspended from a design, taken from the Air Force coat of arms. In the center is a baton with eagle claws at both ends resting on a pair of aviator's wings emitting thunderbolts from the center. This is attached to a horizontal bar bearing the word "Valor."

The reverse of this decoration is blank and suitable for engraving.

Neck Ribbon: The Neck Ribbon passes through the bar, and has an octagonal pad of the traditional light blue moiré ribbon with thirteen white stars.

Ribbon: Traditional light blue moiré ribbon with five white stars.

History: The first presentation of this Medal of Honor was made at the White House in Washington on Jan. 19, 1967, when the President placed it around the neck of Maj. Bernard F. Fisher, United States Air Force.

      The Air Force Medal of Honor has been awarded 12 times for actions during the war in Vietnam. Three of these decorations, to Capt. Steven L. Bennett, Capt. Lance P. Sijan and Capt. Hillard A. Wilbanks were posthumously awarded. Two of the medals were awarded for extraordinary heroism while the recipient's were prisoners of war, one to Captain Sijan and the other to Col. George E. Day who was the most highly decorated officer in the Air Force.

      Others who received the medal for their actions in the war in Vietnam are: Maj. Merlyn Hans Dethlefsen, Capt. James P. Fleming, Lt. Col. Joe M. Jackson, Sgt. John L. Levitow -- the only Air Force enlisted member to receive the medal, Lt. Col. Leo K. Thorsness, Capt. Gerald O. Young, and Col. William A. Jones III, who received the medal posthumously.
 

      In addition, four other airmen received the Congressional Medal of Honor during the Korean War. Majs. George A. Davis Jr., Charles J. Loring Jr., and Louis J. Sebille, and Capt. John S. Walmsley Jr., were all awarded the medal posthumously. During World War II, 35 members of the Army Air Corps were presented the nation's top honor for their actions during air missions.

Pension: Persons on the Medal of Honor Roll and otherwise eligible may, upon application, qualify for a special lifetime pension of $200 per month.

Air Force Cross 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.

Award: 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 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's Design: 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 obverse of the cross is a gold-plated American bald eagle, wings displayed against a cloud formation, (as used on the seal of the Air Force). 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.

History: The first award of the Air Force Cross was a posthumous presentation to Maj. Rudolf Anderson Jr., For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy from 15 October 1962 to 27 October 1962. The action took place during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The Cross was presented by President Kennedy to the widow of the major at the White House.

The Ribbon has a very wide center stripe of Brittany blue with narrow stripes of white and red at the edges. Almost identical to the Distinguished Service Cross, except for the lighter blue center stripe, indicating the close connection of these awards.

Defense Distinguished Service Medal was established by Executive Order 11545 on July 9, 1970. A rather unique feature of this decoration is that it is awarded by the Secretary of Defense and has no delegated authority. No one else can even initiate a recommendation, it is awarded solely at the initiative and pleasure of the Secretary of Defense.

Award: Awarded to high ranking military officers (Generals or Admirals), who perform exceptionally meritorious service in a degree of great responsibility with the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Special or outstanding command in a Defense Agency or for any other Joint Activities designated by the Secretary of Defense. It is rarely awarded.

Design: Designed by Mildred Orloff and sculpted by Lewis J. King, Jr., both of the Institute of Heraldry. The medal is gold in color and on the obverse it features a medium blue enameled pentagon (point up). Superimposed on this in an American bald eagle with wings outspread facing left grasping three crossed arrows in its talons and on its breast is a shield of the United States. The pentagon and eagle are enclosed within a gold pieced circle consisting, in the upper half of thirteen five-pointed stars and in the lower half, a wreath of laurel on the left and olive on the right. At the top is a suspender of five graduated gold rays. The reverse of the medal has the inscription "For Distinguished Service" at the top in raised letters, and within the pentagon the inscription "From The Secretary of Defense To," all in raised letters.

This decoration takes precedence over the Distinguished Service Medals of the separate services and is not to be awarded to any individual for a period of service for which an Army, Navy, Air Force or Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal is awarded.

Ribbon: The Ribbon has a center stripe of dark red flanked on either side by wide stripes of gold and medium blue.

History: The first Defense Distinguished Service Medal was awarded to Gen. Earle G. Wheeler, U.S. Army, upon his retirement as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Staff.

Air Force Distinguished Service Medal was established by Congress on July 6, 1960.

Award: 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.

Designed by Frank Alston of the Institute of Heraldry. The sunburst design is one of the most striking examples of the medalist's art and is a radical departure from the designs used in the Distinguished Service Medals of the other services. The obverse design has a sunburst of thirteen gold rays separated by thirteen white enameled stars, with a semiprecious blue stone in the center. The blue stone in the center represents the vault of the heavens; the thirteen stars represent the original colonies and man's chain of achievements. The sunburst represents the glory that accompanies great achievements, and the rays depict man's quest for light and knowledge. The reverse of the medal is plain and suitable for engraving. The star is suspended from the ribbon by a wide slotted bar which consists of stylized wings symbolic of the Air Force.

Ribbon: The Ribbon has a wide center stripe of white flanked on either side by a thin stripe of old gold, a wide stripe of ultramarine blue and a narrow stripe of old gold at the edges.

Silver Star was established by Congress on 9 JUL 18.

Award: Awarded for each Citation received by US Air Force personnel for gallantry in action not sufficient to warrant the Medal of Honor or the Distinguished Service Cross. The Silver Star is currently awarded by all branches of the armed forces to any person who, while serving in any capacity, is cited for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force, or while serving with friendly forces against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

Design: Designed by the firm of Bailey, Banks and Biddle. On August 8, 1932, the Silver Star was re-designed as a medal by an Act of Congress. This medal, is a gilt-toned star of five points. On the obverse side in the center, is a small silver star (the same size as the original citation star), centered within a wreath of laurel. Eighteen rays radiate from the star to the wreath. The reverse of the star has the inscription, "For Gallantry in Action" in raised letters, below which is a blank area suitable for engraving the recipient's name.

Ribbon: The Ribbon, one of the most striking of all American awards has a wide center stripe of red flanked on either side by a wide stripe of dark blue, a wide stripe of white, a thin stripe of white and a narrow stripe of dark blue at the edges.

History: The Silver Star Medal had its beginning during World War I. An Act of Congress of July 9, 1918, authorized the wearing by Army personnel of a small silver star, 3/16 of an inch in diameter, upon the service ribbon of a campaign medal, to indicate "a citation for gallantry in action, published in orders issued from headquarters of a general officer, not warranting the award of a Medal of Honor or Distinguished Service Cross." Known in the Army as the "citation star," the award was made retroactive, so that all those cited for gallantry in action in previous campaigns, even as far back as the Spanish-American War, were eligible to wear it.
      It is estimated that more than 20,000 members of the Army received such citations before 1918. A similar device was authorized for Navy and Marine Corps personnel in 1920 which authorized a " special letter of commendation" to be awarded on the recommendation of the Board of Naval Award. Receipt of this special letter of commendation authorized its recipient to wear a small silver star on The Ribbon of the Victory Medal.
      Army announced that anyone who had previously earned a Citation Star could apply for the Silver Star Medal. Navy and Marine Corps personnel could only apply, if they were awarded a citations star by the Army. The status of the Silver Star was further clarified, when on August 7, 1942, Congress authorized the award of the Silver Star to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Navy since December 6, 1941, distinguished himself by gallantry and intrepidity in action, but not of a nature to justify the award of the Navy Cross. Four months later, on December 15, 1942, the decoration was extended to Army personnel for gallantry in action, but not of a degree to justify an award of the Distinguished Service Cross.

Defense Superior Service Medal was established by Executive Order 11904 on February 6, 1976, when President Gerald R. Ford signed the order formally establishing this award.

Award: Awarded by the Secretary of Defense to military officers who perform exceptionally with the Office of the Secretary of Defense, The Joint Chiefs of Staff, special or outstanding command in a defense agency or any other joint activity designated by the Secretary. The service rendered will be similar to that required for award of the Legion of Merit.

Design: Designed by Mildred Orloff and sculpted by Lewis J. King, Jr., both of the Institute of Heraldry. In the center is a silver-rimmed, light blue enameled pentagon. Surrounding this, at the top, are thirteen five-pointed stars, and at the base is a wreath of laurel and olive leaves, superimposed on the pentagon and wreath, is an American eagle facing left with wings outstretched, holding three arrows in its talons. The reverse is inscribed at the top "For Superior Service" and on the pentagon, "From The Secretary of Defense To."

The Ribbon, has a narrow center stripe of red, flanked on either side by equal stripes of white, light blue and gold.

The Legion Of Merit was established by Congress on 20 JUL 42, in four degrees: Chief Commander, Commander, Officer, and Legionnaire; for award to personnel of Armed Forces of friendly foreign nations and personnel of the Armed Forces of the United States and the Philippines. Awarded for actions since the Presidential

Proclamation of Emergency, 8 SEP 39.

Award: For Exceptionally Meritorious Conduct in the Performance of Outstanding Service. Created specifically for award to citizens of other nations, conferred on officers and enlisted men of the armed forces of the United States and on nationals of other counties "who shall have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services" since September 8, 1939, the date of the President's proclamation of the state of emergency that led to World War II. The Legion of Merit may be awarded for combat or noncombat services; in the case of American military personnel, if the award is for combat service it is shown by the wearing of a combat "V."

Designed by COL Townsend Heard, USA.

History: The Legion of Merit established by Act of Congress of 20 JUL 42, amended by an executive order of March 15, 1955.
      The Legion of Merit was originally ranked directly below the Distinguished Service Medal in the Navy's pyramid of honor." This was changed by Navy directive number 49 of January 28, 1946, which placed the Legion of Merit immediately below the Silver Star, thus making it the Navy's fifth ranking decoration.
      The Legion of Merit is also the first award to have different degrees. If a holder of the Legion of Merit in one degree is subsequently given another such award, it is never in a degree lower than the original one. The degrees of Chief Commander and Commander are conferred on members of foreign governments only and are awarded for services comparable to those for which the Distinguished Service Medal is given to members of the United States armed forces.
      This is as close as the United States has come to creating an Order of the European type. It is the first specific decoration awarded to foreigners and the first decoration of the United States to be awarded in different degrees as follows:

Distinguished Flying Cross was established by an Act of Congress of July 2, 1926 (amended by Executive Order 7786 on January 8, 1938), for award to any person who, serving any branch of the service including the National Guard and the Organized Reserves after 6 APR 17: For Heroism or Extraordinary Achievement while Participating in Aerial Flight.

Award: This medal is awarded to any officer or enlisted man of the armed forces of the United States who shall have distinguished himself by "heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight, subsequent to November 11, 1918." The decoration may also be given for an act performed prior to November 11, 1918, when the individual has been recommended for, but has not received the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or Distinguished Service Medal.
      Subsequent awards of the Distinguished Flying Cross are indicated by oak-leaf clusters for Army and Air Force personnel and by additional award stars for members of the Naval services.
      During wartime, members of the armed forces of friendly foreign nations serving with the United States are eligible for the D.F.C. It is also given to those who display heroism while working as instructors or students at flying schools.

Design: Designed by Elizabeth Will and Arthur E. DuBois. It is a bronze cross pattee, with rays between the arms of the cross. On the obverse is a propeller of four blades, with one blade in each arm of the cross and in the re-entrant angles of the cross are rays which form a square. The cross is suspended by a rectangular-shaped bar and centered on this is a plain shield. The reverse is blank and suitable for engraving the recipients name and rank.
      When this decoration was originally created there was a movement to have this awarded in different classes, and though this idea was never approved, some copies of the higher class were made, they are the same design as the approved Distinguished Flying Cross, slightly larger, and with a pin attached to the reverse, so that it would be worn as a breast decoration. This class was never approved and was never officially awarded.

The Ribbon has a narrow red center stripe, flanked on either side by a thin white stripe, a wide stripe of dark blue, a narrow white stripe and narrow dark blue at the edge of The Ribbon. Bronze V device worn to denote Valor/Heroism.

History: The Distinguished Flying Cross was awarded first to Captain Charles A. Lindbergh, of the U.S. Army Corps Reserve, for his solo flight of 3600 miles across the Atlantic in 1927, a feat which electrified the world and made "Lindy" one of America's most popular heroes. The first D.F.C. to be awarded to a Navy man was to Commander Richard E. Byrd, of the U.S. Navy Air Corps, on May 9, 1926, for his exciting flight to and from the North Pole. Both these famous aviators also received the Medal of Honor with the Distinguished Flying Cross. The Aviatrix Amelia Earhart also received the Distinguished Flying Cross. Hers was the only such award, as an executive order on March 1, 1927, ruled that D.F.C. should not be conferred on civilians.
      An example of the gallantry for which the Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded took place on the morning of August 31, 1969 in Vietnam. Captain Francis J. Cuddy, USMC a Helicopter pilot, was assigned the mission of assisting in the extraction of an Army Special Forces reconnaissance team heavily engaged in combat with a large North Vietnamese Army deep in an mountainous area under the enemy's complete control. Captain Cuddy, undaunted by the heavy volume of hostile fire directed at his aircraft, directed other helicopters into the area, moved his aircraft into treetop level and delivered repeated rocket and strafing runs on the enemy positions. As a result of his devastating attacks, the hostile fire was suppressed and sufficiently to enable the transport helicopters to safely extract the reconnaissance team. The citation for his award went on the say "... Captain Cuddy's courage, superior airmanship, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of personal danger were instrumental in accomplishing this hazardous mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service." Captain Cuddy was also awarded the Silver Star, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, Commendation Medal with Combat "V," the Purple Heart and forty eight Air Medals During his tour of duty in Vietnam.

Airman's Medal was established by Congress on 6 JUL 60, for Heroism by those serving with the United States Air Force in any capacity that Involves the Voluntary Risk of Life under conditions Other Than Those of Conflict with an Opposing Armed Force.

Award: This decoration, one of several Air Force awards established by Congress, and takes the place of the Soldier's Medal for Air Force personnel. It is awarded to any member of the armed forces of the United States or of a friendly nation who, while serving in any capacity with the United States Air Force after the date of the award's authorization, shall have distinguished himself or herself by a heroic act, usually at the voluntary risk of his or her life but not involving actual combat.
      The same degree of Heroism is required as for the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Design: Designed by and sculpted by Thomas Hudson Jones of the Institute of Heraldry. On the obverse of the circular medal is the figure of the Greek god Hermes, son of Zeus, resting on one knee. He has just released from his open hands a falcon, shown rising into flight. Within the raised rim of the medal, is the inscription "Airman's Medal" in raised letters. The reverse of the medal, has a raised outer edge and bears the inscription, "For Valor" above a space for the recipient's name which is within a stylized laurel wreath open at the top and tied at the bottom.
      The Airman's Medal is unique in that its shape does not follow the octagonal shape of its counterparts, the Soldier's Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Medal and the Coast Guard Medal. It had been established practice heretofore to design military decorations with a distinctive shape, so that they would not be confused at a distance with service or campaign medals, which are always circular in shape. The reason for this is because the design was originally approved for use as The Air Force Distinguished Service Medal.

Ribbon: The Ribbon is based on that of the Soldier's Medal but using different colors. In the center are alternating thin stripes of gold and dark blue (seven gold and six dark blue), bordered at the edges with wide stripes of pale (sky) blue.

Award: The degree of merit need not be unique but must be distinctive. Bronze V device worn to denote Valor/Heroism in Combat.

The Ribbon has a center stripe of ultramarine blue, flanked on either side by a wide stripe of white, with a stripe of ultramarine blue at the center, and a narrow stripe of blue at the edge.

Award: The medal is a bronze hexagon, with one point up, centered upon which is the seal of the Air Force, an eagle with wings spread, facing left, perched upon a baton. There are clouds in the background. Below the seal is a shield bearing a pair of flyer's wings and a vertical baton with an eagle's claw at either end; behind the shield are eight lightning bolts. Bronze V device worn to denote Valor/Heroism in Combat.

      An example of the citation that usually accompanies the award of the Air Force Commendation follows: "Captain Evans A. Kerrigan distinguished himself by meritorious service as Instructor Navigator and Standardization/Evaluation Instructor, KC-135, 509th Air Refueling Squadron, 509th Bombardment Wing, SAC, Pease Air Force Base, New Hampshire, February 19, 1984 to May 16, 1988. During this period, Captain Kerrigan's superior performance and outstanding dedication led to significant improvements in the unit's combat readiness, contributing immeasurably to the performance of its worldwide missions. The distinctive accomplishments of Captain Kerrigan reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The Ribbon has a broad stripe of ultramarine blue in the center flanked on either side by a stripe of golden orange, a thin stripe of blue, a broad stripe of golden orange, and a blue border at the edge.

Designed by the Institute of Heraldry, US Air Force.

History: Originally established by the Secretary of War as only a ribbon award in 1945, the medal was added in 1949. Awarded to members of the US Air Force, on or after 7 DEC 41.

Award: The medal consists of four conjoined hexagons of green enamel. Centered on this is an eagle in gold with outspread wings, grasping three arrows in its talons (as depicted on the seal of the Department of Defense). Above the eagle are thirteen gold stars, and at the base is a gold stylized heraldic delineation representing land, sea, and air. This design is enclosed by a circular wreath of laurel bound with bands, also in gold. The reverse has a tablet in the center, suitable for engraving, and the words "FOR MILITARY MERIT." At the bottom is a sprig of laurel.

Design: Designed by the Institute of Heraldry, US Air Force.

The Ribbon has a center stripe of laurel green, on either side of which are stripes of white, green, and white, and at the edges wide stripes of light blue.

Air Force Achievement Medal was established by the Secretary of the Air Force on Oct. 20, 1980. It is awarded to Air Force personnel for outstanding achievement or meritorious service rendered specifically on behalf of the Air Force.

Award: The medal may be awarded for acts of heroism which do not meet the requirements for award of the commendation medal.

Designed by Capt. Robert C. Bonn, Jr., USAF. The striking medal's distinctive outer border of this medal is composed of 11 "cloudlike" shapes, centered on the obverse a medallion portraying thunderbolts and wings, signifying striking power through aerospace, adapted from the Seal of the Air Force. On the reverse of the medal in raised letters is the circular inscription, "Air Force Meritorious Achievement."

The Ribbon has three sets of four vertical stripes of ultramarine blue on a silver gray background.

Presidential Unit Citation (Air Force and Army) was created by Executive Order 9075 on Feb. 26, 1942, and was superseded by Executive Order 9396 on Dec. 2, 1943, which authorized the Distinguished Unit Citation, and this executive order was superseded by Executive Order 10694, on Jan. 10, 1957 which redesignated the Distinguished Unit Citation as the Presidential Unit Citation.

Award: The Citation is conferred on units of the armed forces of the United States and of cobelligerent nations, for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy on or after Dec. 7, 1941. The unit must display such gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps in accomplishing its mission as to set it apart from and above other units participating in the same campaign. The degree of heroism required is the same that which would warrant award of the Distinguished Service Cross to an individual.
      For subsequent awards of the Presidential Unit Citation, the individual is authorized to wear a bronze oak-leaf cluster on The Ribbon. The same oak-leaf cluster in silver is worn in lieu of five bronze oak-leaf clusters.
      An individual assigned or permanently attached to, and also present for duty with, a unit in the action for which the Presidential Unit Citation is awarded may wear the emblem as a permanent part of their uniform.

The Army and Air Force Presidential Unit Citation is a dark blue ribbon, 1 3/8 inches wide and 3/8 of an inch high, set in a decorative gold metal frame simulating a laurel wreath.

The Air Force Presidential Unit Citation is slightly smaller than that of the Army, being the regulation size, so that it can be worn in alignment with other Air Force ribbons.

Joint Meritorious Unit Award is authorized by the Secretary of Defense on June 10, 1981, this award was originally called the Department of Defense Meritorious Unit Award.

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 expected, for actions in the following situations; combat with an armed enemy of the United States, a declared national emergency, or under extraordinary circumstances that involve national interests.

Joint Meritorious Unit Award ribbon is identical to the Department of Defense Superior Service Medal ribbon, indicative of the fact that the service performed would have been similar to warrant the award of this medal to an individual. It has a center stripe of red, flanked on either side by equal stripes of white, light blue and gold, with a narrow stripe of light blue at the edge.

The Ribbon is within a gold colored 1/16 inch wide metal frame with laurel leaves. Similar to other Army and Air Force unit awards, it is worn in the same manner. Additional awards are indicated by an oak-leaf cluster worn on The Ribbon.

Air Force Outstanding Unit Award was authorized by Department of the Air Force General Order 1, Jan. 6, 1954. It is awarded by the Secretary of the Air Force to units which have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service or outstanding achievement that clearly sets the unit above and apart from similar units.

Award: Award to units which have distinguished themselves by Exceptionally Meritorious Service or Outstanding Achievement that clearly above and apart from similar units, the services include; performance of exceptionally meritorious service, accomplishment of a specific outstanding achievement of national or international significance, combat operations against an armed enemy of the United States, or military operations involving conflict with or exposure to hostile actions by an opposing foreign force.

The Ribbon has a narrow red stripe, flanked by a thin white stripe, a wide blue stripe, a thin white stripe, edged with a narrow red stripe. A Bronze V device is worn on The Ribbon to denote award for combat or direct combat support actions.

Air Force Organizational Excellence Award was authorized by the Secretary of the Air Force on Aug. 26, 1969. The Air Force Organizational Excellence award recognizes the achievements and accomplishments of U.S. Air Force organizations or activities that do not meet the eligibility requirements for the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.

Award: Awarded to Air Force internal organizations that are entities within larger organizations. They are unique, unnumbered organizations or activities that perform functions normally performed by numbered wings, groups, squadrons, etcetera.

The award is a Ribbon with a narrow blue center stripe, flanked by a thin white stripe, a wide red stripe, a thin white stripe, edged with a narrow blue stripe. A Bronze V device is worn on The Ribbon to denote award for combat or direct combat support actions.

Prisoner Of War Medal was authorized by Congress and signed into law by President Reagan in 1986. The medal may be awarded to any person who was a prisoner of war after April 5, 1917 (the date of the United States entry into World War One).

Award: Awarded to any person who was taken prisoner or held captive while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing armed force; or while serving with friendly forces engaged in armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. The person's conduct, while in captivity, must have been honorable. This medal may be awarded posthumously to the surviving next of kin of the recipient.

Designed by Jay C. Morris of the Institute of Heraldry. On the obverse of the medal is an American eagle, wing folded, and completely enclosed (imprisoned) by a ring a circle and following the outline of the medal. The reverse of the medal has the inscription, "Awarded To" (with a blank area for the recipient's name) "For Honorable Service While a Prisoner of War" in three centered lines. Below this is a shield of the United States, and below, following the curvature of the medal, are the words, "United States of America."

The Ribbon has a very wide center stripe of black, flanked on either side by a narrow white stripe, thin red stripe, thin white stripe and a thin stripe of dark blue at the edge of the medal.

Air Force Combat Readiness Medal was authorized by the Secretary of the Air Force on March 9, 1964, as amended Aug. 28, 1967. Originally created as a personal decoration ranking above the Commendation Medals, Lifesaving Medals and the Purple Heart, its current status has been changed to an achievement/service medal.

Award: Awarded to members of the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserve, and to members of other services after Aug. 1, 1960, for sustained individual combat or mission readiness or preparedness for direct weapon-system employment. Specifically, a service member must meet the following criteria: Complete an aggregate three years of sustained professional performance as a member of U.S. Air Force combat or mission-ready units subject to combat readiness reporting. Or be individually certified as combat or mission ready and have maintained individual readiness the entire period according to a major headquarters, or subject to an individual positional evaluation program according to a higher headquarters standard. The term "Combat Ready" is defined as being professionally and technically qualified in an aircraft crew position in an aircraft that can be used in combat.

This striking medal was designed by the Institute of Heraldry, on the obverse it has an inverted triangle on top of a delta-swept wing like object, both representing supersonic aircraft. This design is enclosed by a stylized compass rose with triangles at the points indicating the world-wide nature of the mission of the Air Force. The reverse of the medal has the inscription, "For Combat Readiness--Air Force" in a circle, near the outer edge of the medal.

The Ribbon has a wide center stripe of red, flanked on either side by a narrow stripe of light blue, thin stripe of dark blue, narrow stripe of light blue with a stripe of red at the edge.

Air Force Good Conduct Medal was authorized by Congress on July 6, 1960, with the creation of the other medals of the Air Force. The medal was not created until June 1, 1963 when the Secretary of the Air Force established it.

Award: Awarded to Air Force enlisted personnel for exemplary conduct during a three-year period of active military service, (or for a one-year period of service during a time of war). Persons awarded this medal must have had character and efficiency ratings of excellent or higher throughout the qualifying period, including time spent in attendance at service schools, and there must have been no convictions of court martial during this period. Air Force personnel who were previously awarded the Army Good Conduct Medal and after June 1, 1963 qualified for the Air Force Good Conduct Medal could wear both medals.

Designed by Joseph Kiselewski. On the obverse is an American eagle with wings displayed and inverted, standing on a closed book and a Roman sword. Encircling this are the words "Efficiency, Honor, Fidelity" at the medal's outer edge. The reverse has a five-pointed star above a blank scroll suitable for engraving the recipient's name and above the star are the words, "For Good" and below the scroll "Conduct." Is encircled by a wreath of laurel and oak leaves.

The Ribbon is predominantly light blue with a tin stripe of dark blue, thin stripe of white, thin stripe of red and a thin stripe of light blue at the edge.

Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Award was originally established as a ribbon bar by the Secretary of the Air Force on April 1, 1964 and was amended on May 1, 1973 when the medal was created.

Award: Awarded for exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a four-year period while serving in an enlisted status in the U.S. Air Reserve Forces (Air Force Reserve).

This circular bronze medal was designed by the Institute of Heraldry. In the center of the obverse is an American eagle, wings outstretched perched on a wide circle containing a five-pointed star with a disk in the center (like the symbols on early U.S. Aircraft). Above the eagle and between its wing tips is a banner with the words, "Meritorious Service." Around the edge to the left are the words, "Air Reserve" and to the right, the word "Forces" with delta wing shapes on either side of the word. Behind this design are thirteen rays or lines from the center. The reverse of the medal has a cloud design in the center and within this at the top are the wings and thunderbolts of the Air Force Coat of Arms. Below this is the word, "To," and encircling the outer edge of the medal is the inscription, "Exemplary Behavior--Efficiency--Fidelity."

The Ribbon has a very wide light blue center stripe flanked on either side by a narrow blue stripe, a thin gold stripe, a narrow blue stripe, a wide white stripe and at the edges a thin stripe of blue.

Outstanding Airman Of The Year Ribbon was authorized by the Secretary of the Air Force on Feb. 21, 1968.

Award: Awarded to enlisted members of the U.S. Air Force who are nominated by their respective major commands and separate operating agencies for competition in the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year Program. Award of this ribbon is retroactive to June 1960.

The Ribbon has a narrow white center stripe, flanked on either side by a narrow dark blue stripe, a narrow orange stripe, and very wide stripe of oriental blue. Subsequent awards will be denoted by an oak-leaf cluster worn on The Ribbon.

Air Force Recognition Ribbon was authorized by the Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force on Oct. 12, 1980.

Award: Awarded to named individual Air Force recipients of special trophies and awards except the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year nominees. Bronze oak-leaf clusters will be worn on the ribbon bar to indicate subsequent awards.

The Award Ribbon is predominatingly light blue, with a narrow center stripe of red, flanked on either side by a wide stripe of light blue, and thin stripes of white and red at the edge.

American Defense Service Medal was instituted in 1941.

Awarded for any active duty service.

Ribbon

Women's Army Corps Service Medal was instituted in 1943.

Award: Only U.S. award authorized for women only. Service with both the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps and Women's Army Corps during 1941-1946.

Ribbon