Description
The Distinguished Flying Cross is a four-bladed
propeller, about 1 5/8 inches across, superimposed over a
bronze pattee cross, with five rays forming a one-inch square emerging from the
reentrant angles of the cross. The medal is suspended from a rectangular bar. The
ribbon is striped with vertical bands of red, white, and blue.
Criteria for Award
According to
PERSCOM, the Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded "to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States, distinguishes himself by
heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight...The extraordinary achievement must have resulted in an accomplishment so
exceptional and
outstanding as to clearly set the individual apart from his
comrades or from other persons in similar circumstances." Rather than the
Air Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross must be awarded for single, outstanding acts of heroism, rather than for
sustained and ongoing service.
History and Notable Recipients
The Distinguished Flying Cross was established in July 1926 by the Air Corps Act. It provided for the possibility of
retroactive award back until 1917. The medal was designed by Arthur E. Dubois and Elizabeth Will, whose design was selected by the
Commission of Fine Arts.
Notable recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross: