Air Force Cross

First discussed in the year of 1947, the Air Force Cross was created shortly after the United States Air Force was established as a separate branch of the armed forces; however, it was not accepted as an Act of Congress until the year of 1960. Originally the Air Force Cross was named the Distinguished Service Cross (Air Force); however, in more recent years it has become more commonly known as simply the Air Force Cross. The Commander in Cherif presents these particular United States military medals to soldiers who, while serving in any capacity with the Air Force, demonstrate notable act of extraordinary heroism; however, not justifying the honor of a Congressional Medal of Honor while engaged in an operation against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a party of direct engagement.
The Air Force Cross is the highest military medal of America that can be awarded by the United States Department of the Air Force, and the second highest honor bestowed upon those demonstrating bravery and dedication to our country. Since their acceptance by Congress, these military ribbons and military medals have been authorized more than one hundred and ninety two times to one hundred eighty seven deserving soldiers. Of these, fifty awards have been posthumous, including thirty to members missing in action, twenty three have been awarded to enlisted service members, including eleven pararescue jumpers, seventeen graduates of the United States Air Force Academy, and thirteen for conduct while a prisoner of war. These military medals are of the same equivalence to the Army’s Distinguished Service Cross and the Navy Cross.
In accordance with Air Force regulations, all enlisted Air Force Cross recipients who have served over 20 years of service are eligible for a 10% increase in their retirement pay. In accordance with the proper positioning of United States military medals and military ribbons, the Air Force Cross is to be worn underneath the Congressional Medal of Honor, and above the Distinguished Service Medals of all other branches. Multiple awards are denoted by Oak Leaf Clusters. The Air Force Cross military medal is available in a variety of styles for our military members.  Both the traditional slide-on ribbons and ultra thin ribbons provide our service members with a look sure to impress and command attention.