Decorations and Medals / Military / Personal Decorations / Air Force Cross

Personal Decorations
Air Force Cross


Description

Obverse: The Air Force Cross consists of a bronze cross with an oxidized satin finish. Centered on the cross is a gold-plated American bald eagle, wings displayed against a cloud formation (as depicted on the Air Force Seal). This design is encircled by a laurel wreath in green enamel, edged in gold.

Reverse: The reverse of the cross is blank and suitable for engraving.

Ribbon

The ribbon has a very wide center stripe of Brittany Blue with narrow stripes of white and Old Glory Red at the edges.


Criteria
See AFI 36-2803 (Air Force Awards and Decorations Program).

Background
The Air Force Cross was established by Congress, Public Law 88-593, on July 6, 1960, amended by Section 8742 of Title 10, U.S. Code to change the designation of ''Distinguished Service Cross'' to ''Air Force Cross'' in the case of awards made under Air Force authority. This cross, therefore, is the Air Force version of the (Army) Distinguished Service Cross. The first award of the Air Force Cross was a posthumous presentation to Maj. Rudolf Anderson, Jr. for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy from 15 October 1962 to 27 October 1962. The action took place during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The Cross was presented by President Kennedy to Maj. Anderson's widow at the White House.





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