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What do you have to do to earn an Air Medal?

You earn this medal by showing great courage or doing a job very well while flying in a military plane. It is given for special acts of bravery or for doing excellent work during tough flights. Military leaders created it to honor crew members who took big risks but did not quite reach the high bar of the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Who created the Air Medal?

President Franklin D. Roosevelt started the Air Medal on May 11, 1942. He signed a special order during the middle of World War II to make it happen. He wanted a way to thank pilots and flight crews for their hard and dangerous work.

Can people in any military branch get the Air Medal?

Yes, members of all branches of the United States military can receive this award. This includes the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and the Coast Guard. Whether you are a pilot, a flight crew member, or a drone operator, you can earn it if you fly on missions.

What picture is on the Air Medal?

The medal is made of bronze and shows a bold eagle swooping down. The eagle is holding two lightning bolts in its sharp claws to show power and speed. It hangs from a ribbon that is colored in bright orange and blue.

Can you receive the Air Medal more than once?

Yes, someone can win this medal many times if they keep doing good work on missions. In the past, people earned it after finishing a set number of combat flights. Today, soldiers, sailors, and airmen can get extra ribbons or tiny metal devices to show they have been honored more than once.

What do you have to do to earn an Air Medal?

You earn this medal by showing great courage or doing a job very well while flying in a military plane. It is given for special acts of bravery or for doing excellent work during tough flights. Military leaders created it to honor crew members who took big risks but did not quite reach the high bar of the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Who created the Air Medal?

President Franklin D. Roosevelt started the Air Medal on May 11, 1942. He signed a special order during the middle of World War II to make it happen. He wanted a way to thank pilots and flight crews for their hard and dangerous work.

Can people in any military branch get the Air Medal?

Yes, members of all branches of the United States military can receive this award. This includes the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and the Coast Guard. Whether you are a pilot, a flight crew member, or a drone operator, you can earn it if you fly on missions.

What picture is on the Air Medal?

The medal is made of bronze and shows a bold eagle swooping down. The eagle is holding two lightning bolts in its sharp claws to show power and speed. It hangs from a ribbon that is colored in bright orange and blue.

Can you receive the Air Medal more than once?

Yes, someone can win this medal many times if they keep doing good work on missions. In the past, people earned it after finishing a set number of combat flights. Today, soldiers, sailors, and airmen can get extra ribbons or tiny metal devices to show they have been honored more than once.

Home Library United StatesAir Medal

Merit decoration

Air Medal

A military decoration awarded for single acts of heroism or meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.

United States Established 1942 All servicesPrecedence: Worn below the Meritorious Service Medal and above the Aerial Achievement Medal or Joint Service Commendation Medal.

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded to any person who distinguishes themselves by single acts of heroism or meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.

Eligibility

Any member of the United States Armed Forces serving in an aerial flight capacity.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Worn below the Meritorious Service Medal and above the Aerial Achievement Medal or Joint Service Commendation Medal.

Air Medal, Merit decoration, United States medal

History

President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Air Medal on May 11, 1942, during World War II through Executive Order 9158. Military leaders wanted an award to recognize the brave and tiring work of flight crews that did not quite meet the criteria for the Distinguished Flying Cross.

It was created to reward both individual heroic acts in the air and the steady performance of dangerous flight missions. The medal shows an eagle swooping down with a lightning bolt in its talons, suspended from a blue and orange ribbon.

Originally, the military awarded it after a specific number of combat flight missions, but this rule changed over time. Today, it is awarded across all branches to pilots, aircrew, and even drone operators for noteworthy achievements or valor during flight operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

World War II Korean 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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Vietnam

Distinguished Flying Cross Air Medal Vietnam Service Medal+2

Michael Vicelleo

How Did Helicopter Pilots Scout for the Enemy in Vietnam?

Captain Michael Vicelleo served as a U.S. Army helicopter pilot in Vietnam, conducting low-altitude reconnaissance missions to locate enemy positions.

AmericanSeptember 30, 1968

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Sources

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