The United States Congress established the Air Force Cross in 1964; it is the second highest military honor that United States Air Force personnel may receive and is granted for exceptional feats of heroism in combat that do not qualify for the higher-ranking Medal of Honor. The Air Force Cross is equivalent in rank and criteria to the Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, and Coast Guard Cross.
Established on March 28, 1958, the Air Force Commendation Medal honors United States Armed Forces personnel who distinguish themselves through notable service to the Air Force. Eligible acts are generally of a lesser degree than those that would qualify for the Airman’s Medal.
The Air Force Combat Action Medal was established on March 15, 2007 to recognize members of the United States Air Force for active participation in air or ground combat. In order to be eligible, personnel must have experienced direct enemy fire in an unsecured location or directly engaged enemy forces with fire. The Air Force Combat Action Medal may be granted to foreign soldiers or members of other US military branches carrying out service in an Air Force unit.
The Air Force Aerial Achievement Medal was created in 1988 with the intent to honor Air Force personnel who are not eligible to receive the Air Medal.
The Air Force Achievement Medal is the U.S. Air Force-specific version of the Achievement Medal. The award category was established in order to offer recognition to junior officers and other personnel who do not meet the eligibility criteria for the Meritorious Service Medal or the Commendation Medal; the Air Force version was authorized in 1980 by the Secretary of the Air Force.
Created on April 24, 2002, the Air and Space Campaign honors U.S. Air Force personnel who served in designated United States military combat operations as indicated by the Air Force Chief of Staff. Qualifying service may include sortie generation, surveillance, computer network operations, and other intelligence duties.
Established on November 29, 2004, by then-President George W. Bush, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal honors United States military personnel who carried out service in the country of Afghanistan or its airspace. It may also be awarded to personnel who lost their life while serving in Afghanistan.
