Air Force Cross (United States)
The Air Force Cross (AFC) is the United States Air Force and United States Space Force's second highest military decoration for airmen and guardians who distinguish themselves with extraordinary heroism in combat with an armed enemy force. The medal is awarded to any person, while serving in any capacity with the Air Force or Space Force, who distinguish themselves by extraordinary heroism, not justifying the award of a Medal of Honor.
| Air Force Cross | |
|---|---|
| Type | Service cross medal |
| Awarded for | Extraordinary heroism in combat |
| Presented by | United States Department of the Air Force |
| Eligibility | United States Air Force airmen and United States Space Force guardians |
| Status | Currently awarded |
| Established | November 1, 1965, effective July 6, 1960 |
| First awarded | January 8, 1964 |
| Last awarded | December 10, 2020 |
| Total | 203 |
| Total awarded posthumously | 50 |
| Total recipients | 198 |
Service ribbon | |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | Medal of Honor |
| Equivalent | Army: Distinguished Service Cross Naval Service: Navy Cross Coast Guard: Coast Guard Cross |
| Next (lower) | Department of Defense: Defense Distinguished Service Medal Department of Homeland Security: Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal |
The Air Force Cross is equivalent to the U.S. Army's Distinguished Service Cross, Naval Service's Navy Cross, and Coast Guard Cross. Prior to July 6, 1960, members of the Air Force were awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
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