Air Force Cross

DecorationAFC

The Air Force's second-highest decoration, for extraordinary heroism in combat.

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How you get it

A decoration must be officially awarded. Meeting the standard isn't enough: someone has to recommend you and the approval authority has to sign off. The citation and special order are your proof.

Approval: Approved at the level set in DAFMAN 36-2806, Military Awards: Criteria and Procedures.

It belongs on your record if

You received it: a citation and special order were issued to you, or it's on your DD-214 or personnel record
It was approved, but it's missing from your DD-214 or personnel record

What it's awarded for

Performed extraordinary heroism (not justifying the Medal of Honor) while serving with the Air Force in action against an enemy of the United States
Performed extraordinary heroism during military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force
Performed extraordinary heroism while serving with friendly foreign forces in conflict where the U.S. was not a belligerent party

Quick facts

Category: Personal decorations
Type: Decoration
Authorized devices: Oak Leaf Cluster
WAPS points: 11
Position in the AFPC listing: 2 of 91 (listed in order of precedence)

Full AFPC fact sheet text

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.

Authorized devices

Oak Leaf Cluster

Source: Air Force Cross fact sheet, Air Force's Personnel Center