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Air Force Medal of Honor

  The Air Force Medal of Honor (MOH) is the highest and most prestigious U.S. military medal. It is awarded by the President of the United States in the name of Congress. The MOH may be awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who distinguish themselves conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of their lives above and beyond the call of duty under any of the following circumstances:

 1. While engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States.
 2. While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force.
 3. While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

  The deed performed must have been one of personal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to clearly distinguish the individual above his or her comrades and must have involved risk of life.

  Proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the service member performed the valorous action for which they were recommended for the MOH.

  While MOH criteria include a requirement for the Service member to risk his or her life, there is NO requirement for the member to be wounded or killed in order to meet the "risk of life" portion of the MOH award criteria.

   The President of the United States is the approval authority for the MOH. No more than one MOH may be awarded to an individual. However, for each succeeding act that would otherwise justify award of the MOH, the individual receiving the subsequent award is authorized to wear an additional MOH ribbon and/or a "V" device on the MOH suspension ribbon.

  The MOH is governed by statutory time limits:
  Air Force MOH recommendations must be entered formally into official channels within 3 years of the act warranting the recommendation, and awarded within 5 years.

 Prior to the Creation of the Air Force Medal of Honor, Air Force Members were awarded the U.S. Army Medal of Honor.

Description: Within a wreath of green laurel, a gold five-pointed star, one point down, tipped with trefoils and each point containing a crown of laurel and oak on a green background. Centered on the star, an annulet of 34 stars is a representation of the head of the Statue of Liberty. The star is suspended from a bar inscribed with the word "VALOR" above an adaptation of the thunderbolt from the Air Force Coat of Arms.

Category of Award: Personal/Individual Performance Award

Devices: An individual receiving a subsequent award is authorized to wear an additional MOH ribbon and/or a "V" device on the MOH suspension ribbon.

References:
 AFI 36-2803, Dec 18, 2013, Change 1, 22 Jun 2015, The Air Force Military Awards & Decorations Program, Pages 69-70.
 DoD 1348.33-M, Sept 1996, Manual of Military Decorations & Awards, Pages 16 to 18.
 DoD Manual 1348-33, Vol 1, Nov 23, 2010, Change 5, 15 May 2015, Manual of Military Decorations & Awards, General Information, Medal of Honor, Pages 29 to 37.

Images: Air Force Medal of Honor illustration courtesy of DoD Publications, Ribbon Images by With Military Honors

Page updated October 21, 2016

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