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Dad’s Air Force Awards

Contributed by: Robert Povelones

Dad retired with the rank of Major after 20 years in the United States Air Force. He served from 1960–1980 and received many prestigious awards. They are listed below:

  1. Distinguished Flying Cross – The Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) is our nation’s highest award for extraordinary aerial achievement. As a valor decoration, it ranks fourth in order of precedence, and is awarded to recipients for heroism while participating in an aerial flight.
  2. Presidential Unit Citation – awarded to units of the uniformed services of the United States, and those of allied countries, for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy
  3. Air Medal – awarded to anyone who distinguishes himself by meritorious achievement while serving with the Armed Forces in aerial flight
  4. AF Commendation Medal – presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service
  5. Small Arms Expert – qualify as expert in small-arms marksmanship with either the M-16 rifle or issue handgun
  6. Marksmanship Ribbon – issued to its members who pass a weapons qualification course and achieve an above-average score
  7. Combat Readiness Medal – awarded to members of the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserve, and to members of other services after Aug. 1, 1960, for sustained individual combat or mission readiness or preparedness for direct weapon-system employment
  8. AF Longevity Service Award Ribbon – awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces
  9. National Defense Service Medal – awarded to service members who served honorably during a designated time period of when a “national emergency” had been declared during a time of war or conflict
  10. Vietnam Service Medal – awarded to recognize service during the Vietnam War by all members of the U.S. Armed Forces provided they meet the award requirements
  11. AF Outstanding Unit Award – awarded by the Secretary of the Air Force to numbered units that have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service or outstanding achievement that clearly sets the unit above and apart from similar units
  12. Republic of Vietnam Gallantry CRS – awarded by the Republic of Vietnam to certain units of the U.S. armed forces for valorous combat achievement during the Vietnam War
  13. Republic of Vietnam Medal – served for six months in South Vietnam during the period March 1, 1961 to March 28, 1973