The Department of the Air Force first began issuing awards and decorations in 1947. At that time, airmen were eligible to receive most U.S. Army decorations. In 1962, following the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Department of the Air Force began a concentrated effort to create its own distinctive awards, separate from the Army.
More information about civilian recognition can be found in DAFI 36-1004 Department of the Air Force Civilian Recognition Program (10 Dec 2023) and SPFGM 2024-36-01 United States Space Force (USSF) Civilian Recognition Program (4 Jan 2024).
Air Force Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service. For exceptionally meritorious service of major significance to the Air Force in the performance of duties in a manner clearly exceptional to others. This award is the highest civilian recognition granted to an individual or group within the Air Force. Similar to the military Distinguished Service Medal. A gold-colored medal bearing the Air Force coat of arms with a wreath of laurel leaves. Ribbon is dark-blue silk with three dotted golden-orange lines in the center.
Air Force Outstanding Civilian Career Service Award. For outstanding career service meriting recognition at the time of retirement. Similar to the military Legion of Merit. Bronze medal bearing the Air Force coat of arms with a wreath of laurel leaves. Ribbon is white trimmed in maroon with three maroon stripes in the center.
Air Force Civilian Award for Valor. For an act of heroism with voluntary risk of personal safety in the face of danger, either on or off the job. Similar to the Airman's Medal. Gold-colored medal design bearing the Air Force thunderbolt on an equilateral triangle surmounted by the Air Force eagle perched on a scroll inscribed "Valor" within an olive wreath. Ribbon is light blue with four yellow stripes, two dark blue stripes, and one red stripe in the center.
Air Force Meritorious Civilian Service Award. For outstanding service to the Air Force in the performance of duties in an exemplary manner. Similar to the military Meritorious Service Medal. Sterling silver medal and lapel emblem bearing the Air Force coat of arms with a wreath of laurel leaves. Lapel emblem with ruby indicates receipt of more than one Meritorious Civilian Service Award.
Air Force Command Civilian Award for Valor. For demonstrated unusual courage or competence in an emergency, either on or off duty, but beyond the call of duty that warrants special recognition but does not rise to the level of an Air Force Civilian Award for Valor. Similar to the military Meritorious Service Medal when awarded for heroism. Sterling silver medal of the same design as the Air Force Valor Award. Ribbon is light-blue silk with four yellow stripes and one red stripe in the center.
Air Force Exemplary Civilian Service Award. For clearly outstanding service supporting a command mission for at least one year for a single act that significantly contributed to command mission. Similar to the military Commendation Medal.
Air Force Civilian Achievement Award: For clearly outstanding service for a single, specific act or accomplishment in support of the unit’s mission or goals. Similar to the military Achievement Medal.
Secretary of the Air Force Distinguished Public Service Award: For distinguished public service to the Air Force which translates into substantial contributions to the accomplishment of the Air Force mission. This is the highest public service award bestowed to private citizens by the Secretary of the Air Force.
Chief of Staff of the Air Force Award for Exceptional Public Service: For Sustained unselfish dedication, contributions, and exceptional support to the Air Force.
Air Force Exceptional Service Award: For exceptional service to the United States Air Force or for an act of heroism involving voluntary risk of life.
Air Force Scroll of Appreciation: For meritorious achievement or service that are completely voluntary and performed as a public service or patriotic in nature.
Air Force Commander's Award for Public Service: For service or achievements which contribute significantly to the accomplishment of the mission of an Air Force activity, command, or staff agency.
In 2018, as part of the Air Force's initiative to reduced directive publications, the eight-page AFI 36-2805 was released, superseding 30 previous AFIs. Guidance for special awards was moved to a website at https://access.afpc.af.mil/.[2]
Cheney Award (an act of valor, extreme fortitude or self-sacrifice in a humanitarian interest, performed in connection with aircraft)
General Lew Allen, Jr. Trophy (officer and senior NCO in aircraft maintenance or munitions directly involved with setting up aircraft sorties with nuclear weapons)
