Awards and decorations of the United States Department of the Air Force are military decorations which are issued by the Department of the Air Force to airmen of the United States Air Force and guardians of the United States Space Force and members of other military branches serving under Air Force and Space Force commands.
The Department of the Air Force first began issuing awards and decorations in 1947. At that time, airmen were eligible to receive most U.S. Army decorations. In 1962, following the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Department of the Air Force began a concentrated effort to create its own distinctive awards, separate from the Army.
Airmen and guardians are also eligible to receive approved foreign awards and approved international decorations.[1]
Air Force Cross | Air Force Distinguished Service Medal | Airman's Medal | Aerial Achievement Medal | Air and Space Commendation Medal | Air and Space Achievement Medal |
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Combat Action Medal | Combat Readiness Medal | Air and Space Campaign Medal | Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal | Remote Combat Effects Campaign Medal |
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Air Force Good Conduct Medal | Space Force Good Conduct Medal | Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal |
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Presidential Unit Citation | Gallant Unit Citation | Air Force Meritorious Unit Award | Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award | Air and Space Organizational Excellence Award |
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Outstanding Airman of the Year Ribbon | Outstanding Guardian of the Year Ribbon | Air and Space Recognition Ribbon | Air and Space Overseas Short Tour Service Ribbon | Air and Space Overseas Long Tour Service Ribbon |
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U.S. Air Force Marksmanship Competition Awards/Badges | President's Hundred Award/Tab | U.S. Air Force Outstanding Airman Award/Badge |
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In 2018, as part of the Air Force's initiative to reduced directive publications, the eight-page AFI 36-2805 was released, superseding 30 previous AFIs. Guidance for special awards was moved to a website at https://access.afpc.af.mil/.[2]