Airman's Medal

Decoration

For a heroic act, usually at voluntary risk of life, not involving actual combat.

Check your eligibility and build your ribbon rack

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 a heroic act, usually at the voluntary risk of your life, not involving actual combat, while serving with the Air Force

Quick facts

Category: Personal decorations
Type: Decoration
Authorized devices: Oak Leaf Cluster
WAPS points: 5
Position in the AFPC listing: 9 of 91 (listed in order of precedence)

Full AFPC fact sheet text

Background

This decoration was established by 10 U.S. Code 8750, on July 6, 1960, and takes the place of the Soldier's Medal for Air Force personnel.

Criteria

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, has distinguished himself or herself by a heroic act, usually at the voluntary risk of his or her life but not involving actual combat. The saving of a life or the success of the voluntary heroic act is not essential. Do not award for normal performance of duties.

Medal description

This medal was designed 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 an American Bald Eagle, 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 description

The ribbon is based on that of the Soldier's Medal but using different colors. In the center are alternating thin stripes of yellow and ultramarine, (seven and six, respectively) bordered at the edges with wide stripes of brittany blue.

Authorized devices

Oak Leaf Cluster

Source: Airman's Medal fact sheet, Air Force's Personnel Center