Air Force Cross

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Description:

1. Authorized by Section 8742, title 10, U.S .C., “Air Force cross: award.” b. Awarded pursuant to Section 8742, title 10, U.S.C. to Service members who, while serving in any capacity with the Air Force or the Space Force, distinguish themselves by extraordinary heroism not justifying the award of the MOH under any of the following circumstances:
   • While engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States.
   • While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force.
   • While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

Background:

1. This decoration was established by Congress, Public Law 88-593, on July 6, 1960, amended Section 8742 of Title 10, U.S. Code to change the designation of "Distinguished Service Cross" to "Air Force Cross" in case of awards made under Air Force Authority. This cross, therefore, is the Air Force version of the Distinguished Service Cross. It is awarded for extraordinary heroism, not justifying the award of a Medal of Honor, to any person, who while serving with the U.S. Air Force or U.S. Space Force while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force, or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in conflict against an opposing Armed Force in which the United States in not a belligerent party.
2. The first award of the Air Force Cross was a posthumous presentation to Maj. Rudolf Anderson Jr., For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy from 15 October 1962 to 27 October 1962. The action took place during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The Cross was presented by President Kennedy to the widow of the major at the White House.