History
The Air Medal was instituted by the United States in 1942 for meritorious achievement while taking part in aerial flight, whether for a single act of merit or heroism or for sustained meritorious service. It has been awarded across every American service, and to the aircrew of allied nations who flew with United States forces.
Australians received it most notably in the Vietnam War. The pilots of the Royal Australian Navy Helicopter Flight Vietnam, integrated into the United States Army's 135th Assault Helicopter Company in the only joint Australian-American unit of the war, flew Iroquois helicopters into and out of battle and were decorated with American awards, the Air Medal among them, some pilots many times over. As a foreign award it is worn after Australian honours.
Design & ribbon
The medal
The medal is a bronze compass rose of sixteen points, with a fleur-de-lis at the top holding the suspension ring. At its centre an American eagle swoops downward, carrying a lightning flash in each talon. The reverse carries a plain disc for the recipient's name and rank.
The ribbon
Ultramarine blue with golden orange stripes.
The ribbon is ultramarine blue, with a golden orange stripe on each side of a broad blue centre and a narrow blue edge, the original colours of the Army Air Corps. Additional awards were once marked by oak leaf clusters, and later by numerals on the ribbon.
Eligibility
The medal is awarded for meritorious achievement while taking part in aerial flight.
- It may be given for a single act of merit or heroism, or for sustained meritorious service in the air;
- It is awarded to United States personnel, and to allied aircrew who flew with United States forces;
- Additional awards were marked first by oak leaf clusters and later by numerals on the ribbon;
- As a foreign award it is worn in the Australian Order of Wearing after Australian and Commonwealth honours.
Order of wear
In the Australian Order of Wearing, foreign awards are worn after Australian honours and Commonwealth awards, in the order set for foreign awards, generally by the date of the service for which they were given. A foreign award is worn only where its acceptance and wear have been approved.
Frequently asked questions
What is the United States Air Medal?
An American medal instituted in 1942 for meritorious achievement while taking part in aerial flight, for a single act or for sustained service.
How did Australians receive it?
Australian aircrew who flew with United States forces received it, most notably the Royal Australian Navy pilots of the Helicopter Flight Vietnam, integrated into a United States Army helicopter company.
What does a single medal represent?
A single meritorious act or period of flying service; additional awards were marked first by oak leaf clusters and later by numerals on the ribbon.
What does the medal show?
A bronze compass rose of sixteen points with an American eagle carrying a lightning flash in each talon, hung from a fleur-de-lis.
What are the ribbon colours?
Ultramarine blue with golden orange stripes, the original colours of the United States Army Air Corps.
How is it worn in Australia?
As a foreign award it is worn after Australian and Commonwealth honours, in the order set for foreign awards.