US Military Decorations

What?

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

The President may award an Air Force Cross of appropriate design, with ribbons and appurtenances, to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the Air Force, distinguishes himself by extraordinary heroism not justifying the award of a Medal of Honor:

• while engaged in an action 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 belligerent party

Authorized Devices

Oak Leaf Cluster

Weighted Airman

Promoted System

Point Value

11

What?

This award was established by Executive Order 11545 on July 9, 1970.

Criteria

A rather unique feature of this decoration is that it is awarded by the Secretary of Defense and has no delegated authority. No one else can even initiate a recommendation; it is awarded solely at the initiative and pleasure of the Secretary of Defense. It is awarded to high ranking military officers (generals or admirals), who perform exceptionally meritorious service in a degree of great responsibility with the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Special or outstanding command in a defense agency or for any other joint activities designated by the Secretary of Defense. It is rarely awarded.

Authorized Devices

Oak Leaf Cluster

Weighted Airman

Promoted System

Point Value

9

What?

The Army version was instituted on January 12th, 1918. The USAF got its own version established by Congress on July 6, 1960.

For World War 2 pilots you will mostly see the top variant as the USAF as a seperate unit did not exist during WWII, pilots were members of the United States ARMY Air Force.

Criteria

This decoration is awarded to members of the United States Air Force who distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service to the government in a duty of great responsibility, in combat or otherwise.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR COMBAT “C” DEVICE:

The "C" device was established to distinguish an award earned for exceptionally meritorious service or achievement performed under combat conditions on or after Jan. 7, 2016 (this is not retroactive prior to this date).

The device is only authorized if the service or achievement was performed while the service member was personally exposed to hostile action or under significant risk of hostile action:

• While engaged in action 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 belligerent party

The use of the "C" device is determined solely on the specific circumstances under which the service or achievement was performed. The award is not determined by geographic location. The fact the service was performed in a combat zone, a combat zone tax exclusion area, or an area designated for imminent danger pay, hardship duty pay, or hostile fire pay is not sufficient to qualify for the "C" device. The service member must have been personally exposed to hostile action or under significant risk of hostile action.

Rank/Grade will not be a factor in determining whether the "C" device is warranted, nor will any quotas, official or unofficial, be established limiting the number of "C" devices authorized for a given combat engagement, a given operation, or cumulatively within a given expanse of area or time.

Authorized Devices

Oak Leaf Cluster and Combat “C” Device

Weighted Airman

Promoted System

Point Value

9

What?

The Silver Star Medal had its beginning during World War I. An Act of Congress of July 9, 1918, authorized the wearing by Army personnel of a small silver star, 3/16 of an inch in diameter, upon the service ribbon of a campaign medal.

It is the third highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States Armed Forces . It is also the third highest award given for valor (in the face of the enemy).

The Silver Star differs from the Services Crosses in that it requires a lesser degree of gallantry and need not be earned while in a position of great responsibility.

Air Force pilots are often considered eligible to receive a Silver Star upon becoming an ace (having five or more confirmed kills), which entails the pilot intentionally and successfully risking his life multiple times under combat conditions and emerging victorious.

Criteria

The Silver Star is awarded for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States not justifying a Service Cross - the Army Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross, or the Air Force Cross. It may be awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the US Armed Forces, distinguishes himself or herself by extraordinary heroism involving one of the following actions:

• In action against an enemy of the United States
• While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force
• While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party

Authorized Devices

Oak Leaf Cluster

Weighted Airman

Promoted System

Point Value

9

What?

The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. The decoration is issued both to United States military personnel and to military and political figures of foreign governments. The Legion of Merit (Commander degree) is one of only two United States military decorations to be issued as a neck order (the other being the Medal of Honor ) and the only United States decoration which may be issued in award degrees (much like an order of chivalry or certain Orders of Merit ).

The Legion of Merit is sixth in the order of precedence of U.S. military decorations, and is worn after the Defense Superior Service Medal and before the Distinguished Flying Cross . In contemporary use in the U.S. armed forces, the Legion of Merit is typically awarded to Army, Marine Corps, and Air Force general officers and colonels , and Navy and Coast Guard flag officers and captains occupying command or very senior staff positions in their respective services. It may also be awarded to officers of lesser rank and senior enlisted personnel, but these instances are less frequent and circumstances vary by service. The medal can be considered as "points" in some promotion systems, such as the Air Force, where it is counted as 7 points (out of a possible 25 points for decorations).

Criteria

• The degrees of Chief Commander, Commander, Officer, and Legionnaire are awarded only to members of armed forces of foreign nations under the criteria outlined in US Army Regulation 672-7 and is based on the relative rank or position of the recipient as follows:
  
  - Chief Commander: Chief of State or Head of Government. However this degree was awarded by President Roosevelt to some Allied World War II theater commanders usually for joint amphibious landings or invasions. The President had this power under Executive Order 9260 of 29 October 1942 paragraph 3b.
  It is, on a wreath of green laurel joined at the bottom by a gold bow-knot (rosette), a domed five-pointed white star bordered crimson, points reversed with v-shaped extremities tipped with a gold ball. In the center, a blue disk encircled by gold clouds, with 13 white stars arranged in the pattern that appears on the United States Coat of Arms. Between each point, within the wreath are crossed arrows pointing outwards. The overall width is 2 15/16 inches (75 mm). The words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" are engraved in the center of the reverse. A miniature of the decoration in gold on a horizontal gold bar is worn on the service ribbon.
  
  - Commander: Equivalent of a U.S. military Chief of Staff or higher position but not to Chief of State.
  It is, on a wreath of green laurel joined at the bottom by a gold bow-knot (rosette), a five-pointed white star bordered crimson, points reversed with v-shaped extremities tipped with a gold ball. In the center, a blue disk encircled by gold clouds, with 13 white stars arranged in the pattern that appears on the United States Coat of Arms. Between each star point, within the wreath, are crossed arrows pointing outwards. The overall width is 2¼ inches (57 mm). A gold laurel wreath in the v-shaped angle at the top connects an oval suspension ring to the neck ribbon that is 1 15/16 inches (49 mm) in width. The reverse of the five-pointed star is enameled in white, and the border is crimson. In the center, a disk for engraving the name of the recipient surrounded by the words "ANNUIT COEPTIS MDCCLXXXII." An outer scroll contains the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." A miniature of the decoration in silver on a horizontal silver bar is worn on the service ribbon.
  The neck ribbon for the degree of Commander is 1 15/16 inches (49 mm) wide and consists of the following stripes: 1/16 inch (2 mm) white 67101; center 1 13/16 inches (46 mm) crimson and 1/16 inch (2 mm) white.
  
  - Officer: General or Flag Officer below the equivalent of a U.S. military Chief of Staff; Colonel or equivalent rank for service in assignments equivalent to those normally held by a General or Flag Officer in U.S. military service; or Military Attaches.
  The Officer Degree of the Legion of Merit Medal is similar to the degree of Commander except the overall width is 1 7/8 inches (48 mm) and the pendant has a suspension ring instead of the wreath for attaching the ribbon. A gold replica of the medal, 3/4 inch (19 mm) wide, is centered on the suspension ribbon.
  
  - Legionnaire: All recipients not included above.
  The Legionnaire Degree of the Legion of Merit Medal and the Legion of Merit Medal issued to U.S. personnel is the same as the degree of Officer, except the suspension ribbon does not have the medal replica.
  

• When the Legion of Merit is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States it is awarded without reference to degree. The criteria are "for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements". Additional awards of the Legion of Merit are denoted by oak leaf clusters , in the Army and Air Force, and by award stars in the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. The sea services also permit the wearing of the Valor device on the Legion of Merit, while the Army and Air Force do not.
  
  
• The performance must have been such as to merit recognition of key individuals for service rendered in a clearly exceptional manner.
  
  
• Performance of duties normal to the grade, branch, specialty or assignment, and experience of an individual is not an adequate basis for this award.
  
  
• For service not related to actual war the term “key individual” applies to a narrower range of positions than in time of war and requires evidence of significant achievement.
  
  
• In peacetime, service should be in the nature of a special requirement or of an extremely difficult duty performed in an unprecedented and clearly exceptional manner.
  
  
• However, justification of the award may accrue by virtue of excep-tionally meritorious service in a succession of important positions.
  
  
• The degrees and the design of the decoration were clearly in-fluenced by the French Légion d'honneur .

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR COMBAT “C” DEVICE:

The "C" device was established to distinguish an award earned for exceptionally meritorious service or achievement performed under combat conditions on or after Jan. 7, 2016 (this is not retroactive prior to this date).

The device is only authorized if the service or achievement was performed while the service member was personally exposed to hostile action or under significant risk of hostile action:

• While engaged in action 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 belligerent party
  
  

The use of the "C" device is determined solely on the specific circumstances under which the service or achievement was performed. The award is not determined by geographic location. The fact the service was performed in a combat zone, a combat zone tax exclusion area, or an area designated for imminent danger pay, hardship duty pay, or hostile fire pay is not sufficient to qualify for the "C" device. The service member must have been personally exposed to hostile action or under significant risk of hostile action.

Rank/Grade will not be a factor in determining whether the "C" device is warranted, nor will any quotas, official or unofficial, be established limiting the number of "C" devices authorized for a given combat engagement, a given operation, or cumulatively within a given expanse of area or time.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR REMOTE “R” DEVICE:

The "R" device was established to distinguish an award earned for direct hands-on employment of a weapon system that had a direct and immediate impact on a combat operation or other military operation (i.e. outcome of an engagement or specific effects on a target). Other military operations include Title 10, United States Code, support of non-Title 10 operations, and operations authorized by an approved execute order.

The action must have been performed through any domain and in circumstances that did not expose the individual to personal hostile action, or place him or her at significant risk of personal exposure to hostile action:

• While engaged in military operations against an enemy of the United States; or

• While engaged in military operations involving conflict against an opposing foreign force; or

• While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in military operations with an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party

Qualifying Career Fields

The "R" device may be awarded to Airmen who, during the period of the act, served in the remotely piloted aircraft; cyber; space; or Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance career fields on or after Jan. 7, 2016 (this is not retroactive prior to this date).

Basis for a Decoration

• The "R" device is only authorized for a specific achievement (i.e. impact awards) and will not be authorized for sustained performance or service (i.e. end-of-tour, separation or retirement decorations)

• Recognition for direct and immediate impact shall be based on the merit of the individual's actions, the basic criteria of the decoration, and the "R" device criteria

• Performance of a normal duty or accumulation of minor acts will not justify the "R" device. The act must have been: performed in a manner significantly above that normally expected and sufficient to distinguish the individual above members performing similar acts

• A decoration should only be recommended in cases where the event clearly merits special recognition of the action (i.e. achieving a strategic objective or saving of lives on the ground)

Authorized Devices

Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat “C” and Remote “R” Devices

Weighted Airman

Promoted System

Point Value

7

What?

The Distinguished Flying Cross, authorized by an Act of Congress of July 2, 1926 (amended by Executive Order 7786 on Jan. 8, 1938), was awarded first to Capt. Charles A. Lindbergh, of the U.S. Army Corps Reserve, for his solo flight of 3,600 miles across the Atlantic in 1927, a feat which electrified the world and made Lindbergh one of America's most popular heroes.

Criteria

The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States, distinguishes himself by heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. The performance of the act of heroism must be evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty. The extraordinary achievement must have resulted in an accomplishment so exceptional and outstanding as to clearly set the individual apart from his comrades or from other persons in similar circumstances. Awards will be made only to recognize single acts of heroism or extraordinary achievement and will not be made in recognition of sustained operational activities against an armed enemy.

LIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR COMBAT “C” DEVICE:

The "C" device was established to distinguish an award earned for exceptionally meritorious service or achievement performed under combat conditions on or after Jan. 7, 2016 (this is not retroactive prior to this date).

The device is only authorized if the service or achievement was performed while the service member was personally exposed to hostile action or under significant risk of hostile action:

• While engaged in action 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 belligerent party
  
  

The use of the "C" device is determined solely on the specific circumstances under which the service or achievement was performed. The award is not determined by geographic location. The fact the service was performed in a combat zone, a combat zone tax exclusion area, or an area designated for imminent danger pay, hardship duty pay, or hostile fire pay is not sufficient to qualify for the "C" device. The service member must have been personally exposed to hostile action or under significant risk of hostile action.

Rank/Grade will not be a factor in determining whether the "C" device is warranted, nor will any quotas, official or unofficial, be established limiting the number of "C" devices authorized for a given combat engagement, a given operation, or cumulatively within a given expanse of area or time.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR VALOR “V” DEVICE:

The "V" device is worn on decorations to denote valor, an act or acts of heroism by an individual above what is normally expected while engaged in direct combat with an enemy of the United States, or an opposing foreign or armed force, with exposure to enemy hostilities and personal risk.

Effective Jan. 7, 2016, the “V” device is authorized on the Distinguished Flying Cross. As a reminder, the use of the "V" device on the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award is only authorized for the period of Jan. 11, 1996 to Jan. 1, 2014.

(NOTE: The establishment of the Gallant Unit Citation and Meritorious Unit Award warranted the discontinuance of the "V" device being authorized for approved USAF unit awards).

Authorized Devices

Subsequent awards of the Distinguished Flying Cross are indicated by oak leaf clusters for Army and Air Force personnel and by additional award stars for members of the Naval services. Members are also authorized wear of Combat “C” and Valor "V" Devices (as applicable).

Weighted Airman

Promoted System

Point Value

7

What?

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.

Authorized Devices

Oak Leaf Cluster

Weighted Airman

Promoted System

Point Value

5

What?

This decoration authorized by Executive Order No. 9419 on Feb. 4, 1944, is awarded to a person in any branch of the military service who, while serving in any capacity with the armed forces of the United States on or after Dec. 7, 1941, shall have distinguished himself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving participation in aerial flight, in connection with military operations against an armed enemy.

Criteria

The award recognizes acts of heroism performed in ground combat if they are of lesser degree than that required for the Silver Star. It also recognizes single acts of merit and meritorious service if the achievement or service is of a lesser degree than that deemed worthy of the Legion of Merit; but such service must have been accomplished with distinction.

Army personnel who, as members of the armed forces of the United States between Dec. 7, 1941, and Sept. 2, 1945, were awarded the Combat Infantryman's Badge or Medical Badge for exemplary conduct may upon application receive the Bronze Star Medal. Although these World War II badges were not authorized for award until after July 1, 1943, those whose meritorious achievements in combat before that date can be confirmed in writing may also be eligible for the Bronze Star Medal.

When awarded for heroism, the Bronze Star Medal is annotated by a bronze "V" device (to designate valor).  Only one "V" device will be worn on the medal or ribbon regardless of the number of times awarded.

Authorized Devices

Oak Leaf Cluster and Valor "V" Device

Weighted Airman

Promoted System

Point Value

5

What?

The Air Medal, established by Executive Order 9158, May 11, 1942, as amended by Executive Order 9242, Sept. 11, 1942.

Criteria

The Air Medal is awarded to U.S. and civilian personnel for single acts of heroism or meritorious achievements while participating in aerial flight and foreign military personnel in actual combat in support of operations.

Required achievement is less than that required for the Distinguished Flying Cross, but must be accomplished with distinction above and beyond that expected of professional airmen. It is not awarded for peace time sustained operational activities and flights.

Approval or disapproval authority is delegated to major command (MAJCOM) commander or vice commander for military and Secretary of the Air Force for civilians and foreign military personnel. MAJCOMs will identify the missions and positions that qualify for this award. HQ USAF/XO must certify MAJCOM criteria.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR COMBAT “C” DEVICE:

The "C" device was established to distinguish an award earned for exceptionally meritorious service or achievement performed under combat conditions on or after Jan. 7, 2016 (this is not retroactive prior to this date).

The device is only authorized if the service or achievement was performed while the service member was personally exposed to hostile action or under significant risk of hostile action (must have come under fire or engaged with the enemy with direct and lethal fire and are at the risk of grave danger):

• While engaged in action 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 belligerent party
  
  

The use of the "C" device is determined solely on the specific circumstances under which the service or achievement was performed. The award is not determined by geographic location. The fact the service was performed in a combat zone, a combat zone tax exclusion area, or an area designated for imminent danger pay, hardship duty pay, or hostile fire pay is not sufficient to qualify for the "C" device. The service member must have been personally exposed to hostile action or under significant risk of hostile action.

Rank/Grade will not be a factor in determining whether the "C" device is warranted, nor will any quotas, official or unofficial, be established limiting the number of "C" devices authorized for a given combat engagement, a given operation, or cumulatively within a given expanse of area or time.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR VALOR “V” DEVICE:

The "V" device is worn on decorations to denote valor, an act or acts of heroism by an individual above what is normally expected while engaged in direct combat with an enemy of the United States, or an opposing foreign or armed force, with exposure to enemy hostilities and personal risk.

Effective Jan. 7, 2016, the “V” device is authorized on the Air Medal. As a reminder, the use of the "V" device on the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award is only authorized for the period of Jan. 11, 1996 to Jan. 1, 2014.

(NOTE: The establishment of the Gallant Unit Citation and Meritorious Unit Award warranted the discontinuance of the "V" device being authorized for approved USAF unit awards).

Authorized Devices

Oak Leaf Cluster

Weighted Airman

Promoted System

Point Value

3

What?

This decoration, established by the Department of Defense on June 25, 1963, is awarded by the office of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other Department of Defense agencies or joint activities reporting through the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Criteria

Any member of the Armed Forces who distinguishes himself by meritorious achievement or service while serving in any specified activity after Jan. 1, 1965, is eligible for this award. However, it will not be awarded for any period of service for which any of the Commendation Medals of the branches of the Armed Forces are given.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR COMBAT “C” DEVICE:

The "C" device was established to distinguish an award earned for exceptionally meritorious service or achievement performed under combat conditions on or after Jan. 7, 2016 (this is not retroactive prior to this date).

The device is only authorized if the service or achievement was performed while the service member was personally exposed to hostile action or under significant risk of hostile action:

• While engaged in action 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 belligerent party
  
  

The use of the "C" device is determined solely on the specific circumstances under which the service or achievement was performed. The award is not determined by geographic location. The fact the service was performed in a combat zone, a combat zone tax exclusion area, or an area designated for imminent danger pay, hardship duty pay, or hostile fire pay is not sufficient to qualify for the "C" device. The service member must have been personally exposed to hostile action or under significant risk of hostile action.

Rank/Grade will not be a factor in determining whether the "C" device is warranted, nor will any quotas, official or unofficial, be established limiting the number of "C" devices authorized for a given combat engagement, a given operation, or cumulatively within a given expanse of area or time.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR REMOTE “R” DEVICE:

The "R" device was established to distinguish an award earned for direct hands-on employment of a weapon system that had a direct and immediate impact on a combat operation or other military operation (i.e. outcome of an engagement or specific effects on a target). Other military operations include Title 10, United States Code, support of non-Title 10 operations, and operations authorized by an approved execute order.

The action must have been performed through any domain and in circumstances that did not expose the individual to personal hostile action, or place him or her at significant risk of personal exposure to hostile action:

• While engaged in military operations against an enemy of the United States; or

• While engaged in military operations involving conflict against an opposing foreign force; or

• While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in military operations with an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party

Basis for a Decoration

• The "R" device is only authorized for a specific achievement (i.e. impact awards) and will not be authorized for sustained performance or service (i.e. end-of-tour, separation or retirement decorations)

• Recognition for direct and immediate impact shall be based on the merit of the individual's actions, the basic criteria of the decoration, and the "R" device criteria

• Performance of a normal duty or accumulation of minor acts will not justify the "R" device. The act must have been: performed in a manner significantly above that normally expected and sufficient to distinguish the individual above members performing similar acts

• A decoration should only be recommended in cases where the event clearly merits special recognition of the action (i.e. achieving a strategic objective or saving of lives on the ground)

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR VALOR “V” DEVICE:

The "V" device is worn on decorations to denote valor, an act or acts of heroism by an individual above what is normally expected while engaged in direct combat with an enemy of the United States, or an opposing foreign or armed force, with exposure to enemy hostilities and personal risk.

Effective Jan. 7, 2016, the “V” device is authorized on the Air Force Commendation Medal. As a reminder, the use of the "V" device on the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award is only authorized for the period of Jan. 11, 1996 to Jan. 1, 2014.

(NOTE: The establishment of the Gallant Unit Citation and Meritorious Unit Award warranted the discontinuance of the "V" device being authorized for approved USAF unit awards).

Authorized Devices

Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat “C”, Remote “R” and Valor “V” Devices

Weighted Airman

Promoted System

Point Value

3

What?

The Commendation Medal was originally a ribbon, and was first issued by the Navy and U.S. Coast Guard in 1943. An Army Commendation Ribbon followed in 1945, and in 1949, the Navy, Coast Guard, and Army Commendation ribbons were renamed the "Commendation Ribbon with Medal Pendant." By 1960, the Commendation Ribbons had been authorized as full medals and were subsequently referred to as Commendation Medals.

The U.S. Air Force began issuing its own Commendation Medal in 1958 with additional awards denoted by oak leaf clusters. It was not until 1996 that the "V" device was authorized on the Air Force Commendation Medal. Prior to that time, there was not a Valor distinction in effect for the Air Force Commendation Medal.

Criteria

The Commendation Medal is a mid-level United States military award/decoration which is presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. For valorous actions in direct contact with an enemy force, but of a lesser degree than required for the award of the Bronze Star.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR COMBAT “C” DEVICE:

The "C" device was established to distinguish an award earned for exceptionally meritorious service or achievement performed under combat conditions on or after Jan. 7, 2016 (this is not retroactive prior to this date).

The device is only authorized if the service or achievement was performed while the service member was personally exposed to hostile action or under significant risk of hostile action:

• While engaged in action 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 belligerent party

The use of the "C" device is determined solely on the specific circumstances under which the service or achievement was performed. The award is not determined by geographic location. The fact the service was performed in a combat zone, a combat zone tax exclusion area, or an area designated for imminent danger pay, hardship duty pay, or hostile fire pay is not sufficient to qualify for the "C" device. The service member must have been personally exposed to hostile action or under significant risk of hostile action.  

Rank/Grade will not be a factor in determining whether the "C" device is warranted, nor will any quotas, official or unofficial, be established limiting the number of "C" devices authorized for a given combat engagement, a given operation, or cumulatively within a given expanse of area or time. 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR REMOTE “R” DEVICE:

The "R" device was established to distinguish an award earned for direct hands-on employment of a weapon system that had a direct and immediate impact on a combat operation or other military operation (i.e. outcome of an engagement or specific effects on a target). Other military operations include Title 10, United States Code, support of non-Title 10 operations, and operations authorized by an approved execute order. 

The action must have been performed through any domain and in circumstances that did not expose the individual to personal hostile action, or place him or her at significant risk of personal exposure to hostile action:

• While engaged in military operations against an enemy of the United States; or

• While engaged in military operations involving conflict against an opposing foreign force; or

• While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in military operations with an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party

Qualifying Career Fields

The "R" device may be awarded to Airmen who, during the period of the act, served in the remotely piloted aircraft; cyber; space; or Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance career fields on or after Jan. 7, 2016 (this is not retroactive prior to this date).

Basis for a Decoration

• The "R" device is only authorized for a specific achievement (i.e. impact awards) and will not be authorized for sustained performance or service (i.e. end-of-tour, separation or retirement decorations)

• Recognition for direct and immediate impact shall be based on the merit of the individual's actions, the basic criteria of the decoration, and the "R" device criteria

• Performance of a normal duty or accumulation of minor acts will not justify the "R" device. The act must have been: performed in a manner significantly above that normally expected and sufficient to distinguish the individual above members performing similar acts

• A decoration should only be recommended in cases where the event clearly merits special recognition of the action (i.e. achieving a strategic objective or saving of lives on the ground)

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR VALOR “V” DEVICE:

The "V" device is worn on decorations to denote valor, an act or acts of heroism by an individual above what is normally expected while engaged in direct combat with an enemy of the United States, or an opposing foreign or armed force, with exposure to enemy hostilities and personal risk.

Effective Jan. 7, 2016, the “V” device is authorized on the Air Force Commendation Medal. As a reminder, the use of the "V" device on the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award is only authorized for the period of Jan. 11, 1996 to Jan. 1, 2014.

(NOTE: The establishment of the Gallant Unit Citation and Meritorious Unit Award warranted the discontinuance of the "V" device being authorized for approved USAF unit awards).

Authorized Devices

Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat “C”, Remote “R” and Valor “V” Devices

Weighted Airman

Promoted System

Point Value

3

What?

The Air Force Outstanding Unit Award was authorized by Department of the Air Force General Order 1, Jan. 6th, 1954. 

Criteria

It is awarded by the Secretary of the Air Force to any command of the US Air Force (including Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard) which have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service or outstanding achievement that clearly sets the unit above and apart from similar units, the services include; performance of exceptionally meritorious service, accomplishment of a specific outstanding achievement of national or international significance, combat operations against an armed enemy of the United States, or military operations involving conflict with or exposure to hostile actions by an opposing foreign force.

Authorized Devices

Oak Leaf Cluster

Weighted Airman

Promoted System

Point Value

0

What?

The Secretary of the Air Force authorized this award on Aug. 26, 1969. The Air Force Organizational Excellence award recognizes the achievements and accomplishments of U.S. Air Force organizations or activities.

Criteria

It is awarded to Air Force internal organizations that are entities within larger organizations. They are unique, unnumbered organizations or activities that perform functions normally performed by numbered wings, groups, squadrons, etc.

Authorized Devices

Oak Leaf Cluster

Weighted Airman

Promoted System

Point Value

0

What?

This medal was authorized by Congress and signed into law by President Reagan in 1986. The medal may be awarded to any person who was a prisoner of war after April 5, 1917, (the date of the United States entry into World War I).

The reverse has the inscription "AWARDED TO" around the top and "FOR HONORABLE SERVICE WHILE A PRISONER OF WAR" across the center in three lines with a space between the two inscriptions for engraving the name of the recipient.

Criteria

It is awarded to any person who was taken prisoner or held captive while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing armed force; or while serving with friendly forces engaged in armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. The person's conduct, while in captivity, must have been honorable. This medal may be awarded posthumously to the surviving next of kin of the recipient.

Authorized Devices

Service Star

Weighted Airman

Promoted System

Point Value

0

What?

Authorized by the Secretary of the Air Force on March 9th, 1964, as amended Aug. 28th, 1967. Originally created as a personal decoration ranking above the Commendation Medals, Lifesaving Medals and the Purple Heart, its current status has been changed to an achievement/service medal.

Criteria

It is awarded to members of the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserve, and to members of other services after Aug. 1th, 1960, for sustained individual combat or mission readiness or preparedness for direct weapon-system employment. Specifically, a service member must meet the following criteria: Complete an aggregate 24 months of sustained professional performance as a member of U.S. Air Force combat or mission-ready units subject to combat readiness reporting. Or be individually certified as combat or mission ready and have maintained individual readiness the entire period according to a major headquarters, or subject to an individual positional evaluation program according to a higher headquarters standard. The term "Combat Ready" is defined as being professionally and technically qualified in an aircraft crew position in an aircraft that can be used in combat.

In many cases, those receiving the award have also qualified for the Air Medal or the Aerial Achievement Medal . It is not uncommon for service members to receive two, or all three, of the medals simultaneously.

Authorized Devices

Oak Leaf Cluster

Weighted Airman

Promoted System

Point Value

0

What?

This medal was authorized by Congress on July 6, 1960, with the creation of the other medals of the Air Force. The medal was not created until June 1, 1963 when the Secretary of the Air Force established it.

Criteria

It is awarded to Air Force enlisted personnel for exemplary conduct during a three-year period of active military service, (or for a one-year period of service during a time of war). Persons awarded this medal must have had character and efficiency ratings of excellent or higher throughout the qualifying period, including time spent in attendance at service schools, and there must have been no convictions of court martial during this period. Air Force personnel who were previously awarded the Army Good Conduct Medal and after June 1, 1963 qualified for the Air Force Good Conduct Medal could wear both medals.

Authorized Devices

Oak Leaf Cluster

Weighted Airman

Promoted System

Point Value

0

What?

The Army Good Conduct Medal was authorized by Executive Order 8809, on June 28, 1941, and is awarded to enlisted members who have honorably completed three continuous years of active military service subsequent to Aug. 26, 1940, and who are recommended by their commanding officers for exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity. Persons awarded this medal must have had character and efficiency ratings of excellent or higher throughout the qualifying period, including time spent in attendance at service schools, and there must have been no convictions by court martial.

Criteria

During wartime, the Army Good Conduct Medal may be awarded on completion of one year of continuous service rather than three. Executive Order 9323, March 31, 1943, lowered this time limit for service during World War II, and it was amended by Executive Order 10444 on April 10, 1953, applying the one-year ruling to the Korean Conflict, (1950-1954) and to any future period in which the United States is at war, including the war in Vietnam, (1964-1973).

Authorized Devices

Clasp

Weighted Airman

Promoted System

Point Value

0

What?

The American Defense Service Medal was established per Executive Order 8808, dated June 28, 1941, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and announced in War Department Bulletin 17. The criteria was announced in Department of the Army Circular 44 in Feb. 13, 1942.

Criteria

The American Defense Service Medal is a decoration of the United States military, recognizing service before America's entry into the Second World War but during the initial years of the European conflict.

The medal is authorized to military members who performed active duty between September 8th, 1939, and December 7th, 1941. Members of the United States Army received this medal for any length of service during the eligibility period, provided that they were on orders to active duty for a period of twelve months or longer.

Authorized Devices

Service Star

Weighted Airman

Promoted System

Point Value

0

What?

The American Campaign Medal was authorized Nov. 6, 1942 by Executive Order No. 9265 that was signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The medal was issued to commemorate the service performed by personnel of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard who served during the periods and in the areas designated below.

Criteria

a. The American Campaign Medal was awarded to personnel for service within the American Theater between December 7th, 1941 and March 2nd, 1946 under any of the following conditions:

1. On permanent assignment outside the continental limits of the United States. 
2. Permanently assigned as a member of a crew of a vessel sailing ocean waters for a period of 30 days or 60 nonconsecutive days. 
3. Permanently assigned as a member of an operating crew of an airplane actually making regular and frequent flights over ocean waters for a period of 30 days. 
4. Outside the continental limits of the United States in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 days not consecutive. 
5. In active combat against the enemy and was awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that he actually participated in combat.  
6. Within the continental limits of the United States for an aggregate period of one year.
   
   

b. The eastern boundary of the American Theater is from the North Pole, south along the 75th meridian west longitude to the 77th parallel north latitude, then southeast through Davis Strait to the intersection of the 40th parallel north latitude and the 35th meridian west longitude, then south along the meridian to the 10th parallel north latitude, then southeast to the intersection of the Equator and the 20th meridian west longitude, then south along the 20th meridian west longitude to the South Pole. The western boundary is from the North Pole, south along the 141st meridian west longitude to the east boundary of Alaska, then south and southeast along the Alaska boundary to the Pacific Ocean, then south along the 130th meridian to its intersection with the 30th parallel north latitude, then southeast to the intersection of the Equator and the 100th meridian west longitude to the South Pole. The American Theater included North America (excluding Alaska) and South America. 

Authorized Devices

Service Star - Personnel who were assigned or attached to and present for duty with a unit that was accorded battle credit for the Antisubmarine Campaign are entitled to wear a bronze service star.

Weighted Airman

Promoted System

Point Value

0

What?

The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was authorized on Nov. 6, 1942 by Executive Order No. 9265 that signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The medal was issued to commemorate the service performed by personnel of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard who served during the periods and in the areas designated below.

Criteria

This medal is awarded for service in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater between Dec. 7, 1941 and March 2, 1946 under any of the following conditions:

-Permanent assignment

-Passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days

-In active combat against the enemy, if personnel were awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the unit's commander stating that they participated in combat

-Personnel who were assigned or attached members of units during the period for which campaign participation credit or assault landing credit was accorded to the unit are awarded the bronze service star and arrowhead, respectively, to denote their participation in the action

Authorized Devices

Silver Star

Weighted Airman

Promoted System

Point Value

0

What?

This medal is awarded for service in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater between Dec. 7, 1941 and Nov. 8, 1945, under the same conditions described under those for the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal. The same also applies in awarding the Bronze Service Star and Arrowhead device.

Criteria

View the list below for a listing of identified operations and timeframes associated with the award of the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal.

IDENTIFIED OPERATIONS - EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN (EAME) CAMPAIGN MEDAL

Air Combat, EAME                  Dec. 7, 1941 – Sept. 2, 1945

Egypt-Libya                             June 11, 1942 – Feb. 12, 1943

Air Offensive, Europe              July 4, 1942 – June 5, 1944

Algeria-French Morocco          Nov. 8, 1942 – Nov. 11, 1942

Tunisia (Air)                             Nov. 12, 1942 – May 13, 1943

Sicily (Air)                                May 14, 1943 – Aug. 17, 1943

Naples-Foggia (Air)                 Aug. 18, 1943 – Jan. 21, 1944

Anzio                                       Jan. 22, 1944 – May 24, 1944

Rome-Arno                              Jan. 22, 1944 – Sept. 9, 1944

Normandy                                June 6, 1944 – July 24, 1944

Northern France                      July 25, 1944 – Sept. 14, 1944

Southern France                      Aug. 15, 1944 – Sept. 14, 1944

Northern Apennines                 Sept. 10, 1944 – April 4, 1945

Rhineland                                 Sept. 15, 1944 – March 21, 1945

Ardennes-Alsace                      Dec. 16, 1944 – Jan. 25, 1945

Central Europe                         March 22, 1945 – May 11, 1945

Po Valley                                   April 5, 1945 – May 8, 1945

Authorized Devices

Service Star

Weighted Airman

Promoted System

Point Value

0

What?

The World War II Victory Medal commemorates military service during World War II and is awarded to any member of the United States military, including members of the armed forces of the Government of the Philippine Islands.

Criteria

This medal is awarded for any active duty or Reserve service period between Dec. 7, 1941 and Dec. 31, 1946.

Authorized Devices

None

Weighted Airman

Promoted System

Point Value

0

What?

This medal was established in 1946 and the order has been amended several times to cover areas not originally authorized.

Criteria

It is awarded for 30 consecutive days at a normal post of duty on assignment to the armies of occupation.  Refer to Department of Defense 1348.33-M for areas which qualify for this award. Military service in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater between May 9, 1945 and Nov. 8, 1945, and in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater between Sept. 3, 1945 and March 2, 1946, shall only be considered if the service member received the applicable theater campaign medal for military service in the theater before the inclusive periods previously mentioned.

Authorized Devices

Berlin Airlift Device (BAD) and Clasps were authorized for wear on the ribbon; they have the inscriptions, "Germany" or "Japan" and signify that the recipient served in either area of occupation. There were also some unofficial bars, such as Korea.

Weighted Airman

Promoted System

Point Value

0

What?

This medal is awarded to personnel who were assigned or attached to and present for duty for at least 120 days during the period June 26, 1948 and Sept. 30, 1949, inclusive with any of the units cited in Department of the Air Force general orders for participating in the Berlin Airlift or for direct support of the Berlin Airlift.

Criteria

The Medal for Humane Action may be awarded to foreign armed forces members and civilians (U.S. and foreign) for meritorious participation in the Berlin Airlift. In each instance, however, an individual recommendation indicating meritorious participation is required. Persons whose lives were lost while participating in the Berlin Airlift, or as a direct result of participating in the Berlin Airlift, may be awarded the Medal for Humane Action without regard to the length of the service provided all other requirements are met.

Authorized Devices

None

Weighted Airman

Promoted System

Point Value

0

What?

This medal was authorized by Executive Order 10448, April 22, 1953, and amended by Executive Order 11256, Jan. 11, 1966.

Criteria

It is awarded for honorable active military service as a member of the armed forces of the United States including the Coast Guard, during the following periods:

-June 27, 1950 to July 27, 1954 - Korean War timeframe

-Jan. 1, 1961 to Aug. 14, 1974 - Vietnam War timeframe

-Aug. 2, 1990 to Nov. 30, 1995 - Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM timeframe

-Sept. 11, 2001 to a date to be determined - Terrorism attacks on the U.S./Global War on Terrorism 

-Service members who earned the medal during the first qualifying period, and who again became entitled to the medal, wear a bronze star on the ribbon to denote the second award of the medal.

Authorized Devices

Bronze Service Star

Weighted Airman

Promoted System

Point Value

0

What?

The Korean Service Medal was established by President Truman per Executive Order 10179, dated Nov. 8, 1950, and announced in DA Bulletin 21, 1950. The design, created by Mr. Thomas J. Jones, uses the symbols associated with Korea to reflect service in that country.

There were 10 campaigns designated for the Korean War and displayed as streamers on the Army flag. The campaign streamers are of the same design as the suspension ribbon for the metal. A bronze star is worn on the ribbon to indicate individual participation for each campaign. The inscriptions on the Army flag streamers are:

-UN Defensive June 27 – Sept. 15, 1950

-UN Offensive Sept. 16 – Nov. 2, 1950

-CCF Intervention Nov. 3, 1950 – Jan. 24, 1951

-First UN Counteroffensive Jan. 25 – April 21, 1951

-CCF Spring Offensive April 22 – July 8, 1951

-UN Summer-Fall Offensive July 9 – Nov. 27, 1951

-Second Korean Winter Nov. 28, 1951 – April 30, 1952

-Korean, Summer-Fall May 1 – Nov. 30 1952

-Third Korean Winter Dec. 1, 1952 – April 30, 1953

-Korean, Summer May 1 – July 27, 1953

Criteria

The Korean Service Medal was awarded for service between June 27, 1950 and July 27, 1954 under and of the following conditions:

-Within the territorial limits of Korea in waters immediately adjacent thereto: or

-With a unit under the operational control of the Commander-in-Chief, Far East, other than those units within the territorial limits of Korea, which has been designated by the Commander-in-Chief, Far East, as having directly supported the military efforts in Korea; or

-Was furnished an individual certificate by the Commander-in-Chief, Far East, testifying to material contribution made in direct support of the military efforts in Korea

Authorized Devices

A bronze or silver service star will be worn for approved campaigns. One bronze campaign star shall be worn for each campaign served. A silver campaign star will be worn instead of five bronze stars.

Weighted Airman

Promoted System

Point Value

0

What?

Created by Executive Order 11213, July 8, 1965. It is awarded to all service members of the armed forces who between July 4, 1965 and March 28, 1973, served in the following areas of Southeast Asia; Vietnam and the contiguous waters and airspace; Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia; or the airspace thereof and in the direct support of military operations in Vietnam.

Personnel previously awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for service in Vietnam between July 1958 and July 1965, may, upon request, exchange that medal for the Vietnam Service Medal (pictured below); however, no one is authorized to wear both medals solely for services in Vietnam.

Criteria

There were 17 different campaign periods, but the first, which was called the Vietnam Advisory Campaign, covered the period from March 15, 1962 to March 7, 1964. During this time there were never more than a few thousand U.S. troops involved in Vietnam.

The following is a list of Department of Defense recognized military campaigns associated with eligibility for the Vietnam Service Medal, provided a member meets the award eligibility criteria listed below:

-Vietnam Advisory Campaign: March 15, 1962 – March 7, 1965

-Vietnam Defense Campaign: *July 4, 1965 – Dec. 24, 1965

-Vietnam Counteroffensive Campaign: Dec, 25, 1965 – June 30, 1966

-Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase II: July 1, 1966 – May 31, 1967

-Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase III: June 1, 1967 – Jan. 29, 1968

-Tet Counteroffensive: Jan. 30, 1968 – April 1, 1968

-Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase IV: April 2, 1968 – June 30, 1968

-Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase V: July 1, 1968 – Nov. 1, 1968

-Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase VI: Nov. 2, 1968 – Feb. 22, 1969

-Tet '69 Counteroffensive: Feb. 23, 1969 – June 8, 1969

-Vietnam Summer-Fall 1969: June 9, 1969 – Oct. 31, 1969

-Vietnam Winter-Spring 1970: Nov. 1, 1969 – April 30, 1970

-Sanctuary Counteroffensive: May 1, 1970 – June 30, 1970

-Vietnam Counteroffensive VII: July 1, 1970 – June 30, 1971

-Consolidation I: July 1, 1971 – Nov. 30, 1971

-Consolidation II: Dec. 1, 1971 – March 20, 1972

-Vietnam Cease-Fire Campaign: March 30, 1972 – Jan. 28, 1973

Note: Asterisk (*) indicates the effective eligibility date for the VSM which began July 4, 1965, however the entire period for the Vietnam Defense Campaign is March 8, 1965 – Dec. 24, 1965.

Authorized Devices

Bronze or Silver Service Star

Weighted Airman

Promoted System

Point Value

0

What?

The Department of Defense approved the Korean Defense Service Medal in February 2004 to be given as recognition for military service in the Republic of Korea and the surrounding waters after July 28, 1954 and ending on such a future date as determined by the Secretary of Defense.

Criteria

Individuals must have been assigned, attached, or mobilized to units operating or serving on all the land area of the Republic of Korea, and the contiguous waters out to 12 nautical miles, and all airspace above the stated land and water areas. To be eligible for the KDSM, personnel must have been physically present in the stated areas for 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive days, or must meet one of the following:

-Be engaged in actual combat during an armed engagement, regardless of the time in the areas of eligibility

-Be killed, wounded, or injured in the line of duty and required medical evacuation from the area of eligibility

-While participating as a regularly assigned aircrew member flying sorties into, out of, within, or over the area of eligibility in support of military operations. Each day that one or more sorties are flown in accordance with these criteria shall count as 1 day toward the 30 or 60 day requirement.

Authorized Devices

None

Weighted Airman

Promoted System

Point Value

0

What?

Authorized by the Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force, Oct. 12, 1980. Before Jan. 6, 1986, the ribbon was awarded to Air Force and Air Force Reserve members credited with completion of an overseas tour on or after Sept. 1, 1980. Air Force and Air Force Reserve members serving as of Jan. 6, 1986, or later are entitled to reflect all Air Force overseas tours credited during their career. A service member may wear both ribbons, if appropriate. The short tour ribbon takes precedence over the long-tour ribbon when both are worn.

Criteria

The guidance for the criteria for short tour credit is in Air Force Instruction 36-2110, Personnel Assignments. You have to meet the assignment short tour criteria to be awarded the ribbon. Establishment of the "A" Device on the Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon for Arctic Service Message.

Authorized Devices

Oak Leaf Cluster and Arctic Circle "A" device.

Weighted Airman

Promoted System

Point Value

0

What?

Authorized by the Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force, Oct. 12, 1980. Before Jan. 6, 1986, the ribbon was awarded to Air Force and Air Force Reserve members credited with completion of an overseas tour on or after Sept. 1, 1980. Air Force and Air Force Reserve members serving as of Jan. 6, 1986, or later are entitled to reflect all Air Force overseas tours credited during their career. A service member may wear both the long tour and short tour ribbons if they have met the ribbon's eligibility requirements. The short tour ribbon takes precedence over the long tour ribbon when both are worn.

Criteria

The guidance for the criteria for long tour credit is in Air Force Instruction 36-2110, Personnel Assignments. You have to meet the assignment long tour criteria to be awarded the ribbon.

Authorized Devices

Oak Leaf Cluster

Weighted Airman

Promoted System

Point Value

0

What?

The Department of the Air Force General Order 60, Nov. 25, 1947, authorized this ribbon.

Criteria

It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Longevity Service Award is a ribbon that replaces the Federal Service Stripes previously worn on the uniform.

Authorized Devices

Oak Leaf Cluster

Weighted Airman

Promoted System

Point Value

0

What?

The Armed Forces Reserve Medal was authorized by President Truman by Executive Order 10163, dated Sept. 25, 1950. The Executive Order was amended by Executive Order, dated Aug. 6, 1996, to include authorization for award based on mobilization.

Criteria

Awarded to any service member or former service member of the Reserve components of the U.S. armed forces who completes or has completed a total of 10 years of honorable and satisfactory military service in one or more Reserve component of the armed forces.

This service does not need to be consecutive as long as service occurs within a period of 12 consecutive years. The hourglass device denotes each additional 10-year period of service. (Determine eligibility for the AFRM from AF Form 526, ANG/USAFR Point Credit Summary. Do not credit service as a Regular Officer, Warrant Officer, or Enlisted Person).

Executive Order Number 13013 covers provisions for the award of the M device which may be worn on this medal/ribbon for qualifying service on or after Aug. 1, 1990. (For award of the M device, the member must be called involuntarily to active duty under section 12301(a) of Title 10, U.S.C. (full mobilization), section 12302 (partial mobilization), or section 12304 (Presidential call-up). The M device may also be awarded if the member volunteered and served on active duty in support of a designated contingency operation, as defined in Title 10, U.S.C. Participation in additional contingencies will be designated with an Arabic numeral).

If no M device is authorized, the appropriate hourglass-bronze for 10 years of service, silver for 20 years, gold for 30 years, or bronze and gold for 40 years will be worn. The appropriate hourglass goes in the center of the ribbon. If no hourglass is authorized, the M device is centered on the ribbon, followed by the numeric device on the wearer's left.

If both the hour glass and the "M" device are awarded, the hourglass(s) shall be positioned in first position on the ribbon (at the wearer's right), the "M" device in middle position, and the number of times the "M" device has been awarded in the remaining position (at the wearer's left).

Creditable service is when members accumulate a minimum of 50 retirement points during each anniversary year according to Title 10, U.S.C., Section 1332.  Determine eligibility for the AFRM from AF Form 526, ANG/USAFR Point Credit Summary.  Do not credit service as a Regular officer, warrant officer, or enlisted person.

Authorized Devices

Hourglass, M device and Arabic numerals

Weighted Airman

Promoted System

Point Value

0

What?

This ribbon was authorized by the Secretary of the Air Force on Aug. 28, 1962. It is awarded to all Air Force service members who, after Jan. 1, 1963, qualify as "expert" in small-arms marksmanship with either the M-16 rifle or issue handgun.

Criteria

Qualify as expert in small-arms marksmanship with either the M-16 rifle or issue handgun. These rules will apply to the Air Force standard service small arms weapon selected. Qualifications as expert in both weapons after June 22, 1972, shall be denoted by a bronze service star worn on the ribbon.

Authorized Devices

Service Star

Weighted Airman

Promoted System

Point Value

0

What?

This unit award was presented to units of the United Nations Command for service in Korea under the same conditions as would be required for the award of the Presidential Unit Citation of the United States, and it is awarded in the name of the president of the Republic of Korea. It is a ribbon award with accompanying citation.

Criteria

It is awarded under the same conditions as required for the award of the Presidential Unit Citation of the United States.

Authorized Devices

None

Weighted Airman

Promoted System

Point Value

0

Criteria

This ribbon is awarded by the Republic of Vietnam to certain units of the U.S. armed forces for valorous combat achievement during the Vietnam War, March 1, 1961 to March 28, 1973.

Authorized Devices

None

Weighted Airman

Promoted System

Point Value

0

Criteria

This medal is awarded to members of the armed forces of the United States who:

1. Served for six months in South Vietnam during the period March 1, 1961 to March 28, 1973.

2. Served outside the geographical limits of South Vietnam and contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces for an aggregate of six months. Only members of the armed forces of the United States who meet the criteria established for the AFEM (Vietnam) or Vietnam Service Medal during the period of service required are considered to have contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces.

3. Did not complete the length of service required in item (1) or (2) above, but who, during wartime, were:

-Wounded by the enemy (in a military action)

-Captured by the enemy during action or in the line of duty, but later rescued or released

-Killed in action or in the line of duty

4. Were assigned in Vietnam on Jan. 28, 1973, and who served a minimum of 60 calendar days in Vietnam during the period Jan. 29, 1973 to March 28, 1973.

Authorized Devices

A rectangular, silver-plated medal device on the suspension ribbon denotes the period of war (for example 1960 - ). A similar but smaller device with the last two digits of the inclusive years of the war, 60 -, is worn on the ribbon bar.

Weighted Airman

Promoted System

Point Value

0

What?

On Aug. 20, 1999, the Secretary of Defense approved the acceptance and wear of the Republic of Korea Korean War Service Medal in recognition of the sacrifices of United States veterans of the Korean War.

Criteria

To receive this medal, military veterans must have served in the country of Korea, its territorial waters, or airspace within the inclusive period of June 25, 1950 to July 27, 1953.  Service must have been performed while on permanent assignment in Korea, or while on temporary duty in Korea for 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days, or while as a crewmember of aircraft in aerial flight over Korea participating in actual combat operations, or in support of combat operations.

Authorized Devices

None

Weighted Airman

Promoted System

Point Value

0