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Combat Action Medal

The Air Force Combat Action Medal (AFCAM) is awarded to recognize members of the Air Force, Airman Basic through Colonel, who actively participated in ground or air combat

Criteria: Nomination for the award of the AFCAM will be restricted to members of the US Armed Forces who on or after 11 September 2001:
  Deliberately go into the enemy's domain (outside the wire) to conduct official duties, either on the ground or in the air, and have come under enemy fire by lethal weapons while performing those duties, and are at risk of grave danger; or,
  While defending the base (inside/on the wire), must have come under fire and engage the enemy with direct and lethal fire, and are at the risk of grave danger; or
  Are personnel in ground operations who actively engage the enemy with direct and lethal fires also may qualify even if no direct fire is taken, as long as there was risk of grave danger and meets other criteria.
  Retroactive awards prior to 11 September 2001 are not authorized.

Category of Award: Air Force Service Medals and Achievement Awards

Authorized: March 15, 2007, by the Secretary of the Air Force

Device(s): Gold Star (if applicable)

References:
AFI 36-2803, The Air Force Military Awards and Decorations Program, Pages 148 and 149.

Page updated October 26, 2016

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