Aerial Achievement Medal
 |
| Aerial Achievement Medal | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Medal |
| Status | Currently awarded |
 Aerial Achievement Medal ribbon | |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | Air Medal |
| Next (lower) | Commendation Medals |
The Aerial Achievement Medal is a decoration of the United States Air Force which was first created in 1988. The decoration is intended to recognize the contributions of aircrew members who would, otherwise, not be qualified for the award of the Air Medal.
The decoration is awarded in the name of the Secretary of the Air Force and is presented to any member of the United States military who, while serving in a capacity with the U.S. Air Force, distinguishes themselves by sustained meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight. The achievements must be accomplished with distinction above and beyond that normally expected of professional airmen.
The Aerial Achievement Medal may be approved by local commanders, however the missions for which the decoration is authorized must be approved by a Major Air Force Command.
Minimum requirements for an Aerial Achievement Medal are 20 flights of at least 2 hours with one flight per theater per day. For the basic Aerial Achievement medal, 14 flights may be used. However, if this is the case then 26 flights must be used for the first Oak Leaf Cluster
Note
The Aerial Achievement medal ribbon bears a strikingly similar resemblance to the Commonwealth Air Crew Europe Star, awarded to personnel of the Commonwealth air crew during 1939 to 1945 who participated in the Battle of Britain, however, this medal was phased out, and later recipients were given a clasp for the Defence Medal.
See also
| Decorations | |
|---|---|
| Unit awards | |
| Service medals | |
| Service ribbons | |
