Air Medal
1942-Present
The Air
Medal was authorized by President Roosevelt by Executive Order 9158, dated
11 May 1942, and established the award for "any person who, while serving
in any capacity in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard of the United
States subsequent to September 8, 1939, distinguishes, or has distinguished,
himself by meritorious achievement while participating in an aerial flight."
Authorization was announced in War Department Bulletin No. 25, dated 25
May 1942. Executive Order 9242-A, dated 11 September 1942 amended the previous
Executive Order to read "in any capacity in or with the Army."
The
medal consists of a bronze compass rose 1 11/16 inches circumscribing diameter
and charged with an eagle volant carrying two lightning flashes in its
talons. A fleur-de-lis at the top point holds the suspension ring. The
points of the compass rose on the reverse are modeled with the central
portion plain for engraving the name of the recipient.
The
ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of a 1/8 inch ultramarine blue
67118; ¼ inch golden orange; center 5/8 inch ultramarine blue; ¼
inch golden orange; and 1/8 inch ultramarine blue.
Criteria:
The Air Medal is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity
in or with the armed forces of the United States, shall have distinguished
himself by meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.
Awards may be made to recognize single acts of merit or heroism or for
meritorious service. Award of the Air Medal is primarily intended to recognize
those personnel who are on current crew member or non-crew member flying
status which requires them to participate in aerial flight on a regular
and frequent basis in the performance of their primary duties. However,
it may also be awarded to certain other individuals whose combat duties
require regular and frequent flying in other than a passenger status or
individuals who perform a particularly noteworthy act while performing
the function of a crew member but who are not on flying status. These individuals
must make a discernible contribution to the operational land combat mission
or to the mission of the aircraft in flight. Examples of personnel whose
combat duties require them to fly include those in the attack elements
of units involved in air-land assaults against an armed enemy and those
directly involved in airborne command and control of combat operations.
Involvement in such activities, normally at the brigade/group level and
below, serves only to establish eligibility for award of the Air Medal;
the degree of heroism, meritorious achievement or exemplary service determines
who should receive the award. Awards will not be made to individuals who
use air transportation solely for the purpose of moving from point to point
in a combat zone.
Reference:
Foster,
Frank and Lawrence Borts. US Military Medals 1939 to Present.MOA
Press, 3rd Edition, 1995.
ISBN:
1-884452-13-12
Borthick,
David and Jack Britton. Medals, Military and Civilian of the United
States. MCN Press, 1984.
ISBN:
0-912958-25-1
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