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Air Force Cross (United States)
Encyclopedia
The Air Force Cross is the second highest military decoration
that can be awarded to a member of the United States Air Force
. The Air Force Cross is the Air Force decoration equivalent to the Distinguished Service Cross
(Army) and the Navy Cross
(Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard).
The Air Force Cross is awarded for extraordinary heroism not justifying the award of the Medal of Honor
. It may be awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S Air Force, distinguishes him or herself by extraordinary heroism in combat.
in Public Law 88-593 on July 6, 1960, amending 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.
Additional awards of the Air Force Cross are annotated by oak leaf clusters, and the reverse of every Air Force Cross is engraved with the recipient's name.
"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:
The ribbon has a very wide center stripe of Brittany blue with narrow stripes of white and red at the edges. The ribbon is almost identical to that of the Distinguished Service Cross, except for the lighter blue center stripe, indicating the close connection of these awards.
.
As of April 2008, there have been 192 awards of the Air Force Cross to 187 individuals. One award, the first made, was for actions in the Cuban Missile Crisis
. Two were retroactively awarded for actions in World War II
. 180 were awarded for heroism in the Vietnam War
, and four for heroism during the 1975 Mayagüez Incident
immediately following. Two were awarded for the 1991 Gulf War
, one for the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu in Somalia
, and two were awarded for heroism during Operation Anaconda
in Afghanistan
in 2003. One was awarded to combat controller Zachary Rhyner
for actions in the Shok Valley, Afghanistan on April 6, 2008.
50 awards have been posthumous, including 30 to members missing in action
. 24 have been awarded to enlisted personnel, including 11 pararescue jumper
s. 17 graduates of the United States Air Force Academy
have been presented the award, and 13 were awarded for conduct while a prisoner of war
.
There have been four multiple recipients:
Awards and decorations of the United States military
Awards and decorations of the United States Military are military decorations which recognize service and personal accomplishments while a member of the United States armed forces...
that can be awarded to a member of the United States Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
. The Air Force Cross is the Air Force decoration equivalent to the Distinguished Service Cross
Distinguished Service Cross (United States)
The Distinguished Service Cross is the second highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Army, for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force. Actions that merit the Distinguished Service Cross must be of such a high degree...
(Army) and the Navy Cross
Navy Cross
The Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all...
(Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard).
The Air Force Cross is awarded for extraordinary heroism not justifying the award of the Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
. It may be awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S Air Force, distinguishes him or herself by extraordinary heroism in combat.
Origins
Originally entitled the "Distinguished Service Cross (Air Force)", the Air Force Cross was first proposed in 1947 after the creation of the United States Air Force as a separate armed service. The medal was designed by Eleanor Cox, an employee of the Air Force, and was sculpted by Thomas Hudson Jones of the Institute of Heraldry. The Air Force Cross was established by CongressUnited States Congress
The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress meets in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C....
in Public Law 88-593 on July 6, 1960, amending 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.
Additional awards of the Air Force Cross are annotated by oak leaf clusters, and the reverse of every Air Force Cross is engraved with the recipient's name.
Criteria for award
Title 10, Section 8742. Air Force Cross: Award"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."
Description
The Air Force Cross consists of a bronze cross with an oxidized satin finish. Centered on the obverse of the cross is a gold-plated American bald eagle, wings displayed against a cloud formation, (as used on the seal of the Air Force). This design is encircled by a laurel wreath in green enamel, edged in gold. The reverse of the cross is blank and suitable for engraving.The ribbon has a very wide center stripe of Brittany blue with narrow stripes of white and red at the edges. The ribbon is almost identical to that of the Distinguished Service Cross, except for the lighter blue center stripe, indicating the close connection of these awards.
Awards
The first award of that Air Force Cross was made posthumously to Major Rudolf Anderson for extraordinary heroism during the Cuban Missile CrisisCuban Missile Crisis
The Cuban Missile Crisis was a confrontation among the Soviet Union, Cuba and the United States in October 1962, during the Cold War...
.
As of April 2008, there have been 192 awards of the Air Force Cross to 187 individuals. One award, the first made, was for actions in the Cuban Missile Crisis
Cuban Missile Crisis
The Cuban Missile Crisis was a confrontation among the Soviet Union, Cuba and the United States in October 1962, during the Cold War...
. Two were retroactively awarded for actions in World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. 180 were awarded for heroism in the Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
, and four for heroism during the 1975 Mayagüez Incident
Mayagüez incident
The Mayaguez incident between the Khmer Rouge and the United States from May 12–15, 1975, was the last official battle of the Vietnam War. The names of the Americans killed, as well as those of three Marines who were left behind on the island of Koh Tang after the battle and who were subsequently...
immediately following. Two were awarded for the 1991 Gulf War
Gulf War
The Persian Gulf War , commonly referred to as simply the Gulf War, was a war waged by a U.N.-authorized coalition force from 34 nations led by the United States, against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait.The war is also known under other names, such as the First Gulf...
, one for the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu in Somalia
Somalia
Somalia , officially the Somali Republic and formerly known as the Somali Democratic Republic under Socialist rule, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. Since the outbreak of the Somali Civil War in 1991 there has been no central government control over most of the country's territory...
, and two were awarded for heroism during Operation Anaconda
Operation Anaconda
Operation Anaconda took place in early March 2002 in which the United States military and CIA Paramilitary Officers, working with allied Afghan military forces, and other North Atlantic Treaty Organization and non NATO forces attempted to destroy al-Qaeda and Taliban forces in the Shahi-Kot...
in Afghanistan
Afghanistan
Afghanistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country located in the centre of Asia, forming South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. With a population of about 29 million, it has an area of , making it the 42nd most populous and 41st largest nation in the world...
in 2003. One was awarded to combat controller Zachary Rhyner
Zachary Rhyner
Zachary Rhyner is a Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force. While still a Senior Airman, he received the Air Force Cross for his actions in the Battle of Shok Valley during the War in Afghanistan.His award citation reads:Staff Sgt...
for actions in the Shok Valley, Afghanistan on April 6, 2008.
50 awards have been posthumous, including 30 to members missing in action
Missing in action
Missing in action is a casualty Category assigned under the Status of Missing to armed services personnel who are reported missing during active service. They may have been killed, wounded, become a prisoner of war, or deserted. If deceased, neither their remains nor grave can be positively...
. 24 have been awarded to enlisted personnel, including 11 pararescue jumper
Air Force Pararescue
Pararescuemen are United States Air Force Special Operations Command and Air Combat Command operatives tasked with recovery and medical treatment of personnel in humanitarian and combat environments...
s. 17 graduates of the United States Air Force Academy
United States Air Force Academy
The United States Air Force Academy is an accredited college for the undergraduate education of officer candidates for the United States Air Force. Its campus is located immediately north of Colorado Springs in El Paso County, Colorado, United States...
have been presented the award, and 13 were awarded for conduct while a prisoner of war
Prisoner of war
A prisoner of war or enemy prisoner of war is a person, whether civilian or combatant, who is held in custody by an enemy power during or immediately after an armed conflict...
.
There have been four multiple recipients:
- James H. KaslerJames H. KaslerColonel James H. Kasler is to date the only person to be awarded the Air Force Cross three times. The Air Force Cross ranks just below the Medal of Honor as an award for extraordinary heroism in combat....
(three) - Robinson RisnerJames Robinson RisnerJames Robinson "Robbie" Risner was a general officer and professional fighter pilot in the United States Air Force.Risner is a double recipient of the Air Force Cross, the second highest military decoration for valor that can be awarded to a member of the United States Air Force...
(two) - Leland T. KennedyLeland T. KennedyLeland Thornton "Lee" Kennedy was a career military officer in the United States Air Force, and a highly decorated veteran of the Vietnam War...
(two) - John A. DramesiJohn A. DramesiColonel John Arthur Dramesi is a retired U.S. Air Force officer who was held as a prisoner of war at the Hanoi Hilton in North Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Dramesi is one of the very few captives who never broke under torture. He was held along with Senator John McCain and has criticized...
(two)
Notable recipients
- Maj. Rudolf Anderson, Jr. - First recipient, posthumously awarded for valor during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
- Col. George E. "Bud" DayBud DayGeorge Everette "Bud" Day is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and Command Pilot who served during the Vietnam War, to include five years and seven months as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. He is often cited as being the most decorated U.S. service member since General Douglas MacArthur, having...
- Medal of Honor recipient and Vietnam War POW. - Capt. C. S. Carver - Pararescue, awarded 1979 for valor during Vietnam War.
- TSgt John A. Chapman - Combat Controller, posthumously awarded the Air Force Cross for actions during Operation AnacondaOperation AnacondaOperation Anaconda took place in early March 2002 in which the United States military and CIA Paramilitary Officers, working with allied Afghan military forces, and other North Atlantic Treaty Organization and non NATO forces attempted to destroy al-Qaeda and Taliban forces in the Shahi-Kot...
's Battle of Takur GharBattle of Takur GharThe Battle of Takur Ghar was a short but intense military engagement between United States special operations forces and Taliban insurgents fought in March 2002, atop Takur Ghar mountain, Afghanistan. For the U.S...
. - SrA Jason D. Cunningham - Pararescueman, posthumously awarded the Air Force Cross for actions during Operation Anaconda's Battle of Takur Ghar.
- Capt. Charles B. "Chuck" DeBellevueCharles B. DeBellevueColonel Charles Barbin “Chuck” DeBellevue is a retired officer in the United States Air Force. In 1972, while flying during the Vietnam War, DeBellevue became the first Air Force Weapon Systems Officer to become a flying "Ace". He was credited with a total of six MiG kills, the most earned by any...
- F-4 weapon systems officer ace, credited with six (6) MiG kills, the most of any U.S. aviator during the Vietnam War. - CMSgt. Richard EtchbergerRichard EtchbergerRichard Loy Etchberger was a non-commissioned officer in the United States Air Force who posthumously received the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions during the Battle of Lima Site 85 in the Vietnam War...
- USAF Airman who died in the Battle of Lima Site 85Battle of Lima Site 85The Battle of Lima Site 85, also called Battle of Phou Pha Thi, was fought as part of a military campaign waged during the Vietnam War and Laotian Civil War by the Vietnam People’s Army and the Pathet Lao, against airmen of the United States Air Force 1st Combat Evaluation Group, elements of the ...
. Award later upgraded to Medal of HonorMedal of HonorThe Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
. - Airman 2nd Class Duane D. HackneyDuane D. HackneyDuane D. Hackney , of Flint, Michigan, a United States Air Force Pararescueman, was the most decorated airman in USAF history and the recipient of 28 decorations for valor in combat , and winner of the Cheney Award for 1967 Duane D. Hackney (June 5, 1947 – September 3, 1993), of Flint, Michigan, a...
- Pararescueman decorated for valor in Vietnam. - Lt. Col. James H. KaslerJames H. KaslerColonel James H. Kasler is to date the only person to be awarded the Air Force Cross three times. The Air Force Cross ranks just below the Medal of Honor as an award for extraordinary heroism in combat....
- Vietnam War fighter pilot and POW; recipient of three awards. - Capt. Leland T. KennedyLeland T. KennedyLeland Thornton "Lee" Kennedy was a career military officer in the United States Air Force, and a highly decorated veteran of the Vietnam War...
- Vietnam War rescue helicopter pilot; recipient of two awards. - Cpt. Reginald Victor Maisey, Jr - Died while defending Bien Hoa Air Base
- Brig Gen Robin OldsRobin OldsRobin Olds was an American fighter pilot and general officer in the U.S. Air Force. He was a "triple ace", with a combined total of 16 victories in World War II and the Vietnam War. He retired in 1973 as a brigadier general....
- World War II and Vietnam War fighter pilot. - Airman First Class William H. PitsenbargerWilliam H. PitsenbargerWilliam Hart Pitsenbarger was a United States Air Force Pararescueman who gave his life aiding and defending a unit of soldiers pinned down by an enemy assault in Vietnam. He was initially posthumously awarded the Air Force Cross, which was later upgraded to the Medal of Honor...
- Pararescueman and the first enlisted recipient. Award later upgraded to Medal of HonorMedal of HonorThe Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
. - SrA Zachary RhynerZachary RhynerZachary Rhyner is a Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force. While still a Senior Airman, he received the Air Force Cross for his actions in the Battle of Shok Valley during the War in Afghanistan.His award citation reads:Staff Sgt...
- Combat Controller who was awarded the AFC for actions during the Battle of Shok Valley. - 1st Lt. Karl W. RichterKarl W. RichterKarl Wendell Richter was an officer in the United States Air Force and an accomplished fighter pilot during the Vietnam War. At the age of 23 he was the youngest pilot in that conflict to shoot down a MiG in air-to-air combat.-Early career:Karl W. Richter was born October 4, 1942,the youngest of...
- Fighter pilot killed in action in Vietnam. - Lt. Col. James Robinson RisnerJames Robinson RisnerJames Robinson "Robbie" Risner was a general officer and professional fighter pilot in the United States Air Force.Risner is a double recipient of the Air Force Cross, the second highest military decoration for valor that can be awarded to a member of the United States Air Force...
- Vietnam War fighter pilot and POW and first living recipient; received two awards. - Capt. Dale E. StovallDale E. StovallDale E. Stovall is a former Brigadier General in the United States Air Force who figured prominently in several search and rescue operations during the Vietnam War. A member of the 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron based in Thailand, on June 2, 1972, he recovered Maj...
- Vietnam War helicopter pilot who rescued Roger LocherRoger LocherRoger Clinton Locher is a former F-4D Phantom weapons officer and pilot who during the Vietnam War and Operation Linebacker was shot down only from Hanoi, North Vietnam. The 23 days Locher spent behind enemy lines evading capture was a record for downed airmen during the war. USAF General Vogt...
from North Vietnam, flying further than any other SAR pilot. Retired as a Brig Gen. - Maj. R. Stephen Ritchie - only USAF pilot ace of the Vietnam War. Retired as a Brig Gen.
- Col. Robert M. White - X-15 test pilot and F-105 commander.
- TSgt Timothy A. Wilkinson - Pararescueman during Operation Restore Hope, first enlisted member to receive the Air Force Cross since 1975.
- SSgt Robert Gutierrez Jr. - Combat Controller awarded for extraordinary heroism, superb Airmanship and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy during a 5 Oct 2009 action.