The highest honor granted by the Air Force to civilians, the Air Force Decoration for Exceptional Civilian services recognizes those who perform in a sustained meritorious capacity on behalf of the United States Air Force.
Qualifying criteria are as follows:
-Execute assigned duties of major significance in a noteworthy manner
-Advance or develop protocols, technology, equipment, or other procedures to improve overall operations of the Air Force, federal government, or Department of Defense
-Demonstrate exceptional bravery in an act on behalf of the United States government or other service members
-Demonstrate notable leadership to achieve or facilitate Air Force objectives or in the event of an emergency
The medal is gold and features an eagle in front of a cloud and atop a shield bearing the Air Force Seal; a laurel wreath encircles the image. The ribbon is dark blue with three thin dashed vertical lines toward the center.