Outstanding Airman of the Year Ribbon

BACK DEVICE(s)

Description:

1. Authorized by the Secretary of the Air Force, February 21, 1968.
2. Awarded to enlisted Service members of the U.S. Air Force who are nominated by their respective major commands and field operating Agencies for competition in the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year Program. Award of the ribbon is retroactive to June 1970. Subsequent awards of the ribbon shall be denoted by an oak-leaf cluster worn on the ribbon.

Background:

1. This ribbon is awarded to airman nominated by the MAJCOMs, FOAs, and DRUs to HQ AFPC/DPPPRS for competition in the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year (12 OAY) Program.
2. Airmen selected as one of the Twelve Outstanding Airmen of the Year wear a ribbon with a bronze service star device.
3. Only one ribbon is awarded. A bronze oak leaf cluster is worn on the ribbon to denote each past or subsequent award. The 12 members selected as the Air Force Outstanding Airmen of the Year wear the bronze service star, retroactive to June 1970. The bronze service star is worn to the wearer's right side of the oak leaf clusters.