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Air Force Commendation Medal

 The Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM) is awarded for:
    1. Meritorious achievement and service. The degree of merit must be distinctive, though it need not be unique.
    2. Acts of courage which do not involve the voluntary risk of life required for the Airman's Medal.
    3. Sustained meritorious performance by crew members.

AFI 36-2803 Notes:
1. AFCMs must be signed by Colonel (O-6) or CL (equivalent) and above. Lieutenant Colonels (Lt Col) (O-5) in the position of Group CC cannot approve the award of the AFCM. These decoration recommendations should be routed to the Wing CC or CL in Wing CC position for approval
2. Do not award to general or flag officer grades (O-7 and above). Place emphasis on award to outstanding company grade officers and junior NCOs whose achievements and services meet the standards.
3. Award of the "V" Device: Authorized only for events or situations occurring on or after 11 January 1996 for a contingency deployment operation will be dependent upon the AOR being declared a hostile environment by the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), or hostile acts identified by the unified CC or higher authority. Award of the "V" device is based solely on the acts or services of members who meet the basic criteria of the AFCM and exposed to a personal hazard due to direct hostile action during a contingency operation. For a single event, COMAFFOR may authorize. The "V" Device will not be awarded for normal peacetime achievements or service.

Description: The medal has a bronze hexagon medallion bearing eagle, shield, and arrows from the Seal of the Department of the Air Force.
The ribbon is predominately yellow with blue edges and three bands of blue spaced in the center.

Prior to the creation of the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Members were issued the U.S. Army Commendation Medal.

Category of Award: Personal Performance Award

Authorized: By the Secretary of the Air Force, March 28, 1958

Device(s): Oak Leaf Cluster and V Device (if applicable)

References:
AFI 36-2803, The Air Force Military Awards and Decorations Program, Pages 95 to 96.
DoD Manual 1348.33-M, Manual of Military Decorations and Awards, Pages 105 and 106.

Notes: Prior to the introduction of the AFCM, Air Force members were awarded the U.S. Army Commendation Medal.

Page updated October 22, 2016

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