Air Force Cross (United States)

Air Force Cross (United States). The Air Force Cross is the second-highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Air Force and the United States Space Force. It is presented for extraordinary heroism in combat against an armed enemy of the United States, an action that does not merit the award of the Medal of Honor. Established during the Cold War, the award is equivalent to the Army Distinguished Service Cross and the Navy Cross.

History and establishment

The Air Force Cross was established by the United States Congress under Public Law 88-593 on July 6, 1964, but it was made retroactive to the start of the Korean War in 1950. This creation filled a gap in the United States Armed Forces awards system, as prior to its establishment, Air Force personnel were eligible for the Army Distinguished Service Cross. The need for a distinct award became apparent as the United States Air Force had been a separate service branch since the passage of the National Security Act of 1947. The first awards were presented for actions during the Vietnam War, with the first recipient being Major Bernard F. Fisher for his heroism during the Battle of A Shau in 1966.

Criteria and award process

The Air Force Cross is awarded for extraordinary heroism not justifying the award of the Medal of Honor, while engaged in action against an enemy of the United States, while engaged in military operations involving conflict with a foreign force, or while serving with friendly foreign forces. The act of heroism must be performed in combat and involve risk of life. Recommendations for the award are initiated through the chain of command and undergo a rigorous review process by the United States Department of the Air Force Decorations Board. Final approval authority rests with the Secretary of the Air Force, and the award is typically presented by the President of the United States or a senior military official in a formal ceremony.

Description and symbolism

The medal is a modified Cross pattée in bronze, with a diameter of 1.5 inches. On the obverse, behind the cross, are contrails from a rising aircraft, symbolizing flight. The central disc features a heraldic thunderbolt, denoting striking power, superimposed on a stylized laurel wreath, representing achievement. The reverse is plain, allowing for the engraving of the recipient's name. The ribbon is predominantly Air Force blue, with narrow stripes of white and red at the edges, and a central band of alternating white and red stripes, reflecting the colors of the American flag. The design was created by the Institute of Heraldry.

Notable recipients

Several notable individuals have been awarded the Air Force Cross, often for actions during the Vietnam War. Major Bernard F. Fisher was the first recipient for rescuing a fellow pilot under heavy fire at A Shau Valley. Colonel John A. Dramesi received the award for his leadership and escape attempts as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam. Chief Master Sergeant Richard L. Etchberger was posthumously awarded the Air Force Cross for defending his site at Lima Site 85 during the Vietnam War, an award later upgraded to the Medal of Honor. Captain Lance P. Sijan was posthumously awarded for his incredible evasion and resistance after being shot down, also later receiving the Medal of Honor.

Comparison to other awards

The Air Force Cross is directly equivalent in precedence and purpose to the Army Distinguished Service Cross and the Navy Cross. All three are second only to the Medal of Honor within their respective services. The primary distinction is the service branch of the recipient. The United States Coast Guard uses the Navy Cross, while the United States Marine Corps personnel are also eligible for the Navy Cross. Unlike the Silver Star, which is the third-highest award for valor, the criteria for the Air Force Cross require a higher degree of heroism. It ranks above the Defense Distinguished Service Medal and the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal in the order of precedence for U.S. military awards.

Category:United States Air Force awards and decorations Category:Military awards and decorations of the United States