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Who was eligible for the Air Gallantry Cross?

This medal was for members of the South Vietnamese Air Force, including pilots and those who helped navigate the planes. It was also given to helicopter crews and soldiers who fought while in the air. Even pilots from allied countries could receive this medal if they flew missions alongside South Vietnamese forces during the war.

What devices were attached to the ribbon?

Small metal wings were pinned to the ribbon to show the scale of a pilot's achievement. These wings came in bronze, silver, and gold versions to show different levels of bravery. The color of the metal also indicated which commander approved the award, helping others know the importance of the mission.

Could helicopter rescue crews get this medal?

Yes, helicopter rescue crews were among the most common people to earn this honor. These brave crews often flew their helicopters right through heavy enemy gunfire to reach wounded soldiers on the ground. Because they showed such great courage during these dangerous missions, they were frequently recognized with this medal.

When was the medal established?

The South Vietnamese government created the Air Gallantry Cross on August 15, 1964. It was made because air warfare in the region was growing very quickly during the Vietnam War. Leaders needed a specific new way to honor the bravery shown by aircrews high above the battlefield.

What does the medal look like?

The medal is shaped like a detailed and fancy star. In the very center, there is a clear symbol of a bird or a set of wings. This design was chosen to honor the pilots and aircrews who served their country from the sky.

Who was eligible for the Air Gallantry Cross?

This medal was for members of the South Vietnamese Air Force, including pilots and those who helped navigate the planes. It was also given to helicopter crews and soldiers who fought while in the air. Even pilots from allied countries could receive this medal if they flew missions alongside South Vietnamese forces during the war.

What devices were attached to the ribbon?

Small metal wings were pinned to the ribbon to show the scale of a pilot's achievement. These wings came in bronze, silver, and gold versions to show different levels of bravery. The color of the metal also indicated which commander approved the award, helping others know the importance of the mission.

Could helicopter rescue crews get this medal?

Yes, helicopter rescue crews were among the most common people to earn this honor. These brave crews often flew their helicopters right through heavy enemy gunfire to reach wounded soldiers on the ground. Because they showed such great courage during these dangerous missions, they were frequently recognized with this medal.

When was the medal established?

The South Vietnamese government created the Air Gallantry Cross on August 15, 1964. It was made because air warfare in the region was growing very quickly during the Vietnam War. Leaders needed a specific new way to honor the bravery shown by aircrews high above the battlefield.

What does the medal look like?

The medal is shaped like a detailed and fancy star. In the very center, there is a clear symbol of a bird or a set of wings. This design was chosen to honor the pilots and aircrews who served their country from the sky.

Home Library South VietnamAir Gallantry Cross

Valor decoration

Air Gallantry Cross

A specialized aviation medal awarded to pilots and aircrews for heroism during flight missions.

South Vietnam Established 1964 Air ForcePrecedence: 6th in the national military hierarchy

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for extraordinary acts of heroism or distinguished airborne achievement during combat flight.

Eligibility

Air Force aircrews, helicopter pilots, airborne combatants, and allied aviation personnel.

Branch

Air Force

Precedence

6th in the national military hierarchy

Air Gallantry Cross, Valor decoration, South Vietnam medal

History

The Air Gallantry Cross was created by the South Vietnamese government on August 15, 1964. As aerial warfare expanded rapidly, the government needed a distinct award to recognize courage shown in the cockpit.

Like the general Gallantry Cross, this aviation decoration used bronze wings, silver wings, and gold wings on the ribbon. These devices showed the scale of the flight achievement and the level of command that approved it.

Both helicopter pilots flying through heavy gunfire and fighter pilots flying close air support missions earned this medal. It became obsolete when the Republic of Vietnam Air Force ceased operations in April 1975.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Vietnam War

Veterans Who Received This Award

Vietnam

National Order of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Armed Forces Honor Medal+3

Nguyen Cao Ky

Who Was Air Vice Marshal Nguyen Cao Ky?

A pilot and top leader of the South Vietnamese Air Force.

South Vietnam1964-1967

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Sources

Back to South Vietnam