Air Force Presidential Unit Citation

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Air Force Presidential
Unit Citation Ribbon

Air Force Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon

The Presidential Unit Citation (PUC) was originally called the Distinguished Unit Badge and subsequently changed to the Distinguished Unit Citation, it is the highest USAF unit award is awarded in the name of the President to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and co-belligerent nations, for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy on or after 7 December 1941.
The unit must have displayed such gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps in accomplishing its mission, under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions, to have set it apart and above other units participating in the same campaign. The degree of heroism required is the same as that which would be required of an Air Force Cross to an individual. Being on combat duty for an extended period or participating in a large number of operation missions is not sufficient.
Only on rare occasions does a unit higher than a wing qualify for this award. Not awarded to any unit or unit component previously awarded the Gallant Unit Award (GUC), Meritorious Unit Award (MUA), Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (AFOUA), Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, or unit award from another U.S. Service Branch for the same act or achievement. The NAF commander or Air Component Commander is the recommending official and must have chain of command endorsement (i.e., Combatant Component CC or CV, MAJCOM CC or CV, 2-Digit Air Staff Director, etc.).

Category of Award: Unit Award

Authorized: March 28, 1958 by the Secretary of the Air Force, James H. Douglas Jr.

Device: U.S. Air Force - Oak Leaf Cluster (if applicable)

References:
AFI 36-2803, The Air Force Military Awards and Decorations Program, Pages 108 and 109.
AR 600-8-22, Army Regulation, Military Awards, Page 82.
SECNAVINST 1650.1H, Navy and Marine Corps Awards Manual, Page 3-8.
COMDTINST M1650.25E, Coast Guard Military Medals and Awards Manual, Page 3-2.
DoD Manual 1348.33-M, Manual of Military Decorations and Awards, Page 110 and 111.