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What is the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal?

This is a very important award given to people in the Air Force or Space Force. It honors leaders who show great skill while doing very hard jobs for our country. Because these roles have so much responsibility, this medal is seen as one of the highest honors a service member can earn.

Does someone have to fight in combat to receive this medal?

No, you do not have to be in a battle to win this award. It is meant to reward excellent work and strong leadership during both times of war and times of peace. The medal recognizes people who help keep the country safe through their daily hard work and planning.

Who was the first person to receive this award?

The very first person to earn this honor was General Curtis E. LeMay. He received it in 1965 when he decided to retire from his long career. He was chosen for this special first award because of his many years of top-level service to the nation.

What does the medal look like?

The medal is made of gold and has a shiny blue stone right in the middle. This stone is surrounded by rays that look like sunbeams. It hangs on a ribbon that has pretty stripes of blue and white.

What award did airmen receive before this medal was made?

The Air Force became its own separate branch of the military in 1947. Before that, airmen and soldiers were all part of the same group. Until the new medal was created by Congress on July 6, 1960, airmen had to use the Army version of the medal to be honored.

What is the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal?

This is a very important award given to people in the Air Force or Space Force. It honors leaders who show great skill while doing very hard jobs for our country. Because these roles have so much responsibility, this medal is seen as one of the highest honors a service member can earn.

Does someone have to fight in combat to receive this medal?

No, you do not have to be in a battle to win this award. It is meant to reward excellent work and strong leadership during both times of war and times of peace. The medal recognizes people who help keep the country safe through their daily hard work and planning.

Who was the first person to receive this award?

The very first person to earn this honor was General Curtis E. LeMay. He received it in 1965 when he decided to retire from his long career. He was chosen for this special first award because of his many years of top-level service to the nation.

What does the medal look like?

The medal is made of gold and has a shiny blue stone right in the middle. This stone is surrounded by rays that look like sunbeams. It hangs on a ribbon that has pretty stripes of blue and white.

What award did airmen receive before this medal was made?

The Air Force became its own separate branch of the military in 1947. Before that, airmen and soldiers were all part of the same group. Until the new medal was created by Congress on July 6, 1960, airmen had to use the Army version of the medal to be honored.

Home Library United StatesAir Force Distinguished Service Medal

Distinguished service decoration

Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

A high military award given for exceptionally meritorious service to the government in duties of great responsibility.

United States Established 1960 Air ForcePrecedence: Worn below the Defense Distinguished Service Medal and above the Silver Star.

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded to service members who distinguish themselves by exceptionally meritorious service to the United States government in a duty of great responsibility.

Eligibility

Members of the United States Air Force and Space Force serving in major positions of leadership.

Branch

Air Force

Precedence

Worn below the Defense Distinguished Service Medal and above the Silver Star.

Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished service decoration, United States medal

History

The Air Force Distinguished Service Medal was created by the United States Congress on July 6, 1960. When the United States Air Force became its own separate military branch in 1947, airmen still received the Army's version of this medal. Leaders decided the Air Force needed its own unique decoration to honor top-level service.

The medal was first presented in 1965 to General Curtis E. LeMay upon his retirement. The design features a coat of arms with a blue stone in the center surrounded by sunburst rays, hanging from a blue and white ribbon.

Over the years, this medal has stayed one of the highest non-combat honors an airman or guardian can earn. It is mostly awarded to senior officers, such as generals, who successfully lead major commands or guide important national defense programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Cold War Vietnam War Gulf War War in AfghanistanIraq War

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Robert Worley, including Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Purple Heart, shown against a light United States flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

Vietnam

Air Force Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star Legion of Merit+5

Robert Worley

Who Was Major General Robert F. Worley and How Did He Serve in Vietnam?

Major General Robert F. Worley was a highly decorated Air Force pilot and commander who lost his life while serving in South Vietnam in 1968.

AmericanJuly 23, 1968

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Sources

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