Air Force Cross

The Air Force Cross is the second-highest military decoration awarded by the United States Air Force, ranking immediately below the Medal of Honor. It is the Air Force equivalent of the Army's Distinguished Service Cross and the Navy's Navy Cross. The medal is awarded for extraordinary heroism in combat while engaged in aerial conflict or while serving in an Air Force capacity.

The Air Force Cross was established in 1960, when the Air Force created its own distinguished service cross separate from the Distinguished Service Cross previously used across all branches. Prior to 1960, Air Force personnel received the Army Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism. The first Air Force Cross was awarded in 1962.

The Air Force Cross is awarded for extraordinary heroism in action against an enemy of the United States or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict. The degree of heroism must be less than that required for the Medal of Honor but must distinguish the individual above all others in comparable circumstances. It is reserved for actions involving actual combat and risk of life.

Yes, while the Air Force Cross was originally associated with aerial heroism, it can be awarded to Air Force personnel for extraordinary heroism in ground combat situations as well. This includes combat controllers, pararescuemen (PJs), and other Air Force special operations personnel. Several Air Force Crosses have been awarded to ground-based special operators for actions in conflicts such as Afghanistan.