The Air Force and Space Force Commendation Medal

Time Period: Post-WW2
Institution: 1943
Country: United States

The Air Force & Space Force Commendation Medal is a mid-level United States military decoration that is presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. Each branch of the United States Armed Forces has its own version of this medal, with a fifth version existing for acts of joint military service performed under the Department of Defense.

The U.S. Air Force began issuing its own Air Force Commendation Medal in 1958, with additional awards denoted by oak leaf clusters. Prior to this time, USAF recipients received the Army Commendation Medal. It was not until 1996 that the “V” device was authorized on the Air Force Commendation Medal; prior to 1996, there was not a valor distinction in effect for the Air Force Commendation Medal. On January 7, 2016, the “C” device and “R” device was authorized on the Air Force Commendation Medal as well. For USAF enlisted personnel, the Air Force Commendation Medal is worth three points under the Air Force enlisted promotion system.

The Air Force Commendation Medal is awarded to both American and foreign military personnel of any service branch in the U.S. military grade of O-6 and below, the NATO grade of OF-5 and below, or of any other Allied or Coalition nation in the grade of Colonel or equivalent or below, or the naval grade of Captain or equivalent or below, who have performed noteworthy service in any capacity with the United States Air Force.

The Air Force & Space Force Commendation Medal Design

The Air Force Commendation Medal is a bronze hexagonal medallion. On the medallion is a shield surmounted by an eagle superimposed over clouds. On the shield bears a pair of flyer’s wings and a vertical baton with an eagle’s claw at either end; behind the shield are eight lightning bolts. The design on the shield is derived from the Seal of the Department of the Air Force. The ribbon of the Air Force Commendation Medal is golden yellow with blue edges. In the center are three bands of blue, the outer stripes are thin with the center stripe being wider.

Devices:

Oak leaf cluster (for subsequent awards)
“V” device (for valorous actions in direct contact with an enemy)
“C” device (for meritorious service in direct contact with an enemy)
“R” device (for employment of a remote weapon system during military operations)

Other Commendation Medals

The different versions of the Commendation Medal in the United States military are typically associated with specific branches of service. While the criteria for receiving the Commendation Medal remain similar across branches, the designs may vary to reflect the unique identity and traditions of each service.