1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	6th
Example of ribbon placement (IF only "R", "C", or "V" is authorized - it is centered)

Description:

1. Authorized by the Secretary of the Air Force, March 28, 1958.
2. On 16 November 2020, the Secretary of the Air Force approved the renaming of the Air Force Commendation Medal to the Air and Space Commendation Medal.
   
3. Awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States, below the grade of O-7 and foreign military personnel, who, while serving in any capacity with the Department of the Air Force, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service.
4. As of March 2017
   May be awarded with the “V” device to signify the award was made for combat heroism (valor):
   1. While engaged in military operations against an enemy of the United States;
   2. While engaged in military operations involving conflict against an opposing foreign force; or
   3. While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in military operations with an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
5. As of March 2017
   May be awarded with the “C” device to recognize exceptionally meritorious service or achievement performed under combat conditions on or after January 7, 2016. The award narrative must clearly show that the nominee was personally exposed to hostile action, or was at significant risk of exposure to hostile action:
   (a) While engaged in action against an enemy of the United States;
   (b) While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or
   (c) 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.
   
6. As of March 2017
   May be awarded with the “R” device to distinguish that the award was earned for the direct hands-on employment of a weapon system or other warfighting activities that had a direct and immediate impact on a combat operation or other military operation (i.e., outcome of an engagement or specific effects on a target), including Title 10, U.S.C., support of non-Title 10 operations, and operations authorized by an approved execute order. To be designated as such, the action must have been performed through any domain, in circumstances that did not expose the individual to hostile action;, or place him or her at significant risk of exposure to hostile action on or after January 7, 2016, under one of the following conditions:
   (a) While engaged in military operations against an enemy of the United States,
   (b) While engaged in military operations involving conflict against an opposing foreign force; or
   (c) While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in military operations with an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
   

Background:

1. This medal was authorized by the Secretary of the Air Force on March 28, 1958, for award to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Air Force after March 24, 1958, shall have distinguished themselves by meritorious achievement and service. The degree of merit must be distinctive, though it need not be unique. Acts of courage which do not involve the voluntary risk of life required for the Soldier's Medal (or the Airman's Medal now authorized for the Air Force) may be considered for the ASCOM.
2. A bronze oak leaf cluster is awarded for each additional award of the ASCOM. Award of the "V" device for a contingency deployment operation will be dependent upon the area of responsibility (AOR) being declared a hostile environment by the JCS, or hostile acts identified by the unified commander or higher authority. Award of the "V" device is authorized only for events or situations which occurred on or after 11 Jan 96.