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Who wears this medal?

This award is worn by people who fly or fix planes for the Romanian Air Force. It is given to pilots, navigators, and the ground crews who keep the aircraft running. King Carol II started the award in 1930 to give these brave airmen their own special mark of honor.

What shape is the decoration?

The medal is shaped like a beautiful cross covered in bright, colored enamel. It features large metal wings that reach out from the center of the cross. This design was chosen to show that the award is meant only for those who serve in the skies.

Did fighter aces win this medal in World War II?

Yes, many fighter pilots earned this medal while fighting in the dangerous battles of World War II. A famous pilot named Prince Constantin Cantacuzino was one of the many heroes who received it. The award became very famous because of the brave dogfights Romanian pilots fought over the Eastern Front.

Is there a medal version for enlisted airmen?

Yes, there is a special version called the Aeronautical Virtue Medal made just for enlisted troops. While officers might receive the main order, this medal honors the hard work of the soldiers who support the flight crews. It ensures that every member of the Air Force can be recognized for their skill and service.

Can it be awarded in peacetime?

Yes, the medal is still used today to reward acts of bravery outside of a war. It honors pilots who show amazing talent during difficult training missions or life-saving rescue flights. The award was brought back in the year 2000 to recognize modern crews serving in Romania and with NATO partners.

Who wears this medal?

This award is worn by people who fly or fix planes for the Romanian Air Force. It is given to pilots, navigators, and the ground crews who keep the aircraft running. King Carol II started the award in 1930 to give these brave airmen their own special mark of honor.

What shape is the decoration?

The medal is shaped like a beautiful cross covered in bright, colored enamel. It features large metal wings that reach out from the center of the cross. This design was chosen to show that the award is meant only for those who serve in the skies.

Did fighter aces win this medal in World War II?

Yes, many fighter pilots earned this medal while fighting in the dangerous battles of World War II. A famous pilot named Prince Constantin Cantacuzino was one of the many heroes who received it. The award became very famous because of the brave dogfights Romanian pilots fought over the Eastern Front.

Is there a medal version for enlisted airmen?

Yes, there is a special version called the Aeronautical Virtue Medal made just for enlisted troops. While officers might receive the main order, this medal honors the hard work of the soldiers who support the flight crews. It ensures that every member of the Air Force can be recognized for their skill and service.

Can it be awarded in peacetime?

Yes, the medal is still used today to reward acts of bravery outside of a war. It honors pilots who show amazing talent during difficult training missions or life-saving rescue flights. The award was brought back in the year 2000 to recognize modern crews serving in Romania and with NATO partners.

Home Library RomaniaOrder of Aeronautical Virtue

Valor decoration

Order of Aeronautical Virtue

An aviation-specific decoration awarded to military pilots and crew members for air combat heroism.

Romania Established 1930 Air ForcePrecedence: Senior branch decoration for the Romanian Air Force

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for outstanding courage, aerial combat victories, and meritorious service in military aviation.

Eligibility

Air Force officers, aviators, and specialized aeronautical personnel.

Branch

Air Force

Precedence

Senior branch decoration for the Romanian Air Force

Order of Aeronautical Virtue, Valor decoration, Romania medal

History

King Carol II created the Order of Aeronautical Virtue in 1930 to build pride in Romania's growing air force. Before this order existed, airmen received general army decorations. This award gave pilots their own distinctive mark of honor.

During World War II, the award became world famous as Romanian fighter aces and bomber crews earned it for dogfights over the Eastern Front. Like most royal awards, it vanished under communism, but was re-established in 2000 to reward modern Romanian Air Force personnel serving at home and in NATO missions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

World War II War in Afghanistan

Veterans Who Received This Award

Realistic illustration of the military medals and badges awarded to Horia Agarici, including Order of Aeronautical Virtue, Order of Michael the Brave, Military Virtue Medal, shown against a light Romania flag background. AI-generated illustration, not an authentic photograph.

WWII

Order of Aeronautical Virtue Order of Michael the Brave Military Virtue Medal

Horia Agarici

Who Was Horia Agarici?

A famous Romanian fighter pilot known for his defense of the city of Constanta.

RomaniaJune 23, 1941

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Sources

Back to Romania