Air Medal

AM - AIR MEDAL

Eligibility Requirements

T he The Air Medal was established by Executive Order 9158,11 May 1942 as amended by Executive Order 9242–A, 11 September 1942. The Air Medal is awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the United States Marine Corps, will have distinguished himself or herself by meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight. Awards may be made to recognize single acts of merit or heroism, or for meritorious service as described below.

Awards may be made for acts of heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy or while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party, which are of a lesser degree than required for award of the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Awards may be made for single acts of meritorious achievement, involving superior airmanship, which are of a lesser degree than required for award of the Distinguished Flying Cross, but nevertheless were accomplished with distinction beyond that normally expected.
Awards for meritorious service may be made for sustained distinction in the performance of duties involving regular and frequent participation in aerial flight for a period of at least 6 months. In this regard, accumulation of a specified number of hours and missions will not serve as the basis for award of the Air Medal. Criteria in first paragraph above, concerning conditions of conflict, are applicable to award of the Air Medal for meritorious service.
Award of the Air Medal is primarily intended to recognize those personnel who are on current crewmember or noncrew member flying status which requires them to participate in aerial flight on a regular and frequent basis in the performance of their primary duties. However, it may also be awarded to certain other individuals whose combat duties require regular and frequent flying in other than a passenger status, or individuals who perform a particularly noteworthy act while performing the function of a crewmember.

Medal

front

back

Ribbon

Device

Gold Star (5/16 in)
8455-00-141-0888

"V" device
8455-00-249-0190
Bronze "V" device worn to denote valor.

Precedence

The Air Medal shall be placed in precedence after Meritorious Service Medal and beforeJoint Service Commendation Medal.

Sample Citation

air medal citation

SECRETARY OF NAVY

WASHINGTON

THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES TAKES PLEASURE PRESENTING

THE AIR MEDAL

Major LBC Leon

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS RESERVE

F or meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight as a division leader of Marine Fighting Squadron against enemy Japanese forces in the sugarwall stripper islands on August 4 and 29, 1943. When his group of escort planes covering fighter craft encountered an attacking formation of twelve enemy Zeros while returning from a mission, Major Leon led his group in an effective interception of the hostile force, and although painfully wounded, successfully flew his plane and landed at ally base. Major Leon's , superb airmanship, courage and loyal devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps , the United States Naval Service and the Department of Defense.

THIS 3RD DAY OF SEPTEMBER 1944.

Secretary of Navy.