Introduction to the Air Force Cross
The Air Force Cross is the second-highest award that can be given to a member of the United States Air Force. It is awarded for extraordinary heroism and selflessness in the face of great danger, while engaged in action against an enemy of the United States. The award is equivalent to the Army’s Distinguished Service Cross and the Navy’s Navy Cross, and it is ranked below only the Medal of Honor in the hierarchy of awards for valor in combat.
History of the Air Force Cross
The Air Force Cross was established by an Act of Congress on July 6, 1960, and it was created as a result of the Air Force’s desire to have its own distinctive awards for valor and heroism. Prior to the establishment of the Air Force Cross, members of the Air Force were eligible to receive the Army’s Distinguished Service Cross for their actions. The first Air Force Crosses were awarded on January 25, 1961, to four airmen who had distinguished themselves in combat in Vietnam. Since then, the Air Force Cross has been awarded to numerous airmen who have demonstrated extraordinary heroism and selflessness in combat.
Criteria for the Air Force Cross
To be eligible for the Air Force Cross, an airman must have distinguished themselves by extraordinary heroism while engaged in action against an enemy of the United States. This can include actions such as exposing themselves to enemy fire to rescue wounded comrades, engaging enemy forces in combat, or performing other acts of bravery that put their own lives at risk. The award is typically given to airmen who have gone above and beyond the call of duty, and who have demonstrated a level of courage and selflessness that is rare and exceptional.
Notable Recipients of the Air Force Cross
There have been numerous notable recipients of the Air Force Cross over the years. Some examples include: * Lt. Col. James H. Kasler, who was awarded the Air Force Cross for his actions as a fighter pilot in Vietnam. * Capt. Wilbur F. Mustard, who was awarded the Air Force Cross for his actions as a forward air controller in Vietnam. * 1st Lt. James P. Fleming, who was awarded the Air Force Cross for his actions as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. These individuals, and many others like them, have demonstrated the highest levels of courage and selflessness in the face of great danger, and they are an inspiration to all who serve in the United States Air Force.
Awards and Decorations
The Air Force Cross is a prestigious award that is highly respected within the military community. It is considered to be one of the most difficult awards to receive, and it is only given to those who have demonstrated the highest levels of courage and selflessness in combat. The award consists of a bronze cross with a blue ribbon and a white stripe, and it is worn on the uniform as a symbol of the recipient’s bravery and heroism.
| Award | Description |
|---|---|
| Air Force Cross | Second-highest award given to members of the United States Air Force for extraordinary heroism and selflessness in combat. |
| Medal of Honor | Highest award given to members of the United States military for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. |
| Distinguished Service Cross | Second-highest award given to members of the United States Army for extraordinary heroism and selflessness in combat. |
🏆 Note: The Air Force Cross is a highly prestigious award that is only given to those who have demonstrated the highest levels of courage and selflessness in combat.
In summary, the Air Force Cross is a highly prestigious award that is given to members of the United States Air Force who have demonstrated extraordinary heroism and selflessness in combat. It is considered to be one of the most difficult awards to receive, and it is only given to those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. The award is a symbol of the recipient’s bravery and heroism, and it is highly respected within the military community.
The final thoughts on this topic are that the Air Force Cross is an important award that recognizes the bravery and selflessness of members of the United States Air Force. It is a reminder of the sacrifices that are made by those who serve in the military, and it is a symbol of the highest levels of courage and heroism that are demonstrated by these individuals.
What is the Air Force Cross?
+
The Air Force Cross is the second-highest award given to members of the United States Air Force for extraordinary heroism and selflessness in combat.
How is the Air Force Cross awarded?
+
The Air Force Cross is awarded to members of the United States Air Force who have distinguished themselves by extraordinary heroism while engaged in action against an enemy of the United States.
What is the criteria for the Air Force Cross?
+
To be eligible for the Air Force Cross, an airman must have distinguished themselves by extraordinary heroism while engaged in action against an enemy of the United States.
