Air Force Commendation Medal |
|
 Air Force Commendation Medal |
The Commendation Medal is a
mid-level United States military decoration which is presented
for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. For
valorous actions in direct contact with an enemy force, but of a
lesser degree than required for the award of the Bronze Star,
the Valor device ("V" device) may be authorized as an attachment
to the decoration. Each branch of the United States Armed Forces
issues its own version of the Commendation Medal, with a fifth
version existing for acts of joint military service performed
under the Department of Defense. The U.S. Air Force began issuing its own Commendation Medal in 1958 with additional awards denoted by oak leaf clusters. It was not until 1996 that the "V" device was authorized on the Air Force Commendation Medal. Prior to that time, there was not a Valor distinction in effect for the Air Force Commendation Medal. |
last revised May 22, 2011
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