Civil Air Patrol Decorations |
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| Award or Ribbon Name | Authorized | Retired | Ribbon Image | Notes |
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| Silver Medal of Valor | 1960 | |  | Awarded for distinguished and conspicuous heroic action, at the risk of life, above and beyond the call of normal duty. |
| Bronze Medal of Valor | 1957 | |  | Awarded for distinguished and conspicuous heroic action where danger to self is probable and known. Was simply known as The Medal of Valor until creation of the Silver Medal of Valor in 1960. |
| Distinguished Service Medal | 1954 | 1982 |  | Awarded for conspicuous performance of outstanding service in a duty of great responsibility where the position held and results obtained reflect upon the accomplishments and prestige of CAP on a national scale. |
| Distinguished Service Medal | 1982 | |  |
| Exceptional Service Award | 1954 | 1982 |  | Awarded for exceptionally outstanding service to CAP in a duty of great responsibility while serving in any capacity with CAP. However, the duty should carry the ultimate responsibility for the successful operation of a region, wing, or major project within the region or wing. |
| Exceptional Service Award | 1982 | |  |
| Meritorious Service Award | 1954 | 1982 |  | Awarded for outstanding achievement or meritorious service rendered specifically on behalf of CAP. |
| Meritorious Service Award | 1982 | |  |
| Commander’s Commendation Award | 1980 | |  | Awarded for outstanding duty performance. |
| CAP Achievement Award | 2008 | |  | Awarded for outstanding service to the unit, group or wing. |
| Lifesaving Award (with silver star) | 1976 | |  | Awarded to members who save a human life, but do not meet the criteria for the Bronze or Silver Medal of Valor. Members who are credited with a save as a result of participation in a blood or organ transport mission are awarded the basic ribbon. A silver star is attached to the ribbon in recognition of lifesaving actions other than blood or organ transport. Initially only to senior members but was awarded to cadets beginning in 1977. |
| Lifesaving Award | 1976 | |  |
| National Commander's Unit Citation | 2006 | |  | The National Commander's Unit Citation Award is awarded only at the discretion of the National Commander to units providing services or achievements above and beyond those normally recognized by a Unit Citation Award. |
| Unit Citation Award | 1960 | |  | Awarded to CAP units for exceptionally meritorious service or exceptionally outstanding achievement which clearly sets the unit above and apart from similar units. Before 1980, members wore all Unit Citation awards that the unit received before they were members. After 1980, members only wear ribbons for the units that they were a member of at the time the citation was awarded and, once awarded, members may continue to wear the ribbon even if they transfer out of the unit at a later date. |
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Professional Development Awards |
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| Award or Ribbon Name | Authorized | Retired | Ribbon Image | Notes |
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| National Commander’s Citation Award | 1964 | 1982 |  | Highest award in the CAP Senior Member Training Program prior to January 1978. When ribbon designs were simplified in 1982, there were so few recipients of this award that a new ribbon was not manufactured. Instead, the Gill Robb Wilson award ribbon was inverted to indicate the National Commander's Citation. |
| National Commander’s Citation Award | 1982 | |  |
| Gill Robb Wilson Award | 1964 | 1982 |  | Successfully complete Level V training requirements of the Senior Member Professional Development Program |
| Gill Robb Wilson Award | 1982 | |  |
| Paul E. Garber Award | 1979 | |  | Successfully complete Level IV training requirements of the Senior Member Professional Development Program |
| Aerospace Award (Later the Grover Leoning Award) | 1964 | 1982 |  | Successfully complete Level III training requirements of the Senior Member Professional Development Program |
| Aerospace Award (Later the Grover Leoning Award) | 1982 | |  |
| Senior Member Certificate of Proficiency | 1967 | 1971 |  | Senior Members who received the Senior Member Certificate of Proficiency were (briefly) authorized to wear the Certificate of Proficiency ribbon that had formerly been awarded to cadets. |
| Leadership Award | 1964 | 1982 |  | Successfully complete technician rating in a training specialty. Bronze star attachment indicates senior rating and silver start attachment indicates master rating |
| Leadership Award | 1982 | |  |
| Membership Award | 1964 | 1982 |  | Successfully complete Level I CAP Orientation Course. |
| Membership Award | 1982 | |  |
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Senior Aerospace Education Awards |
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| Award or Ribbon Name | Authorized | Retired | Ribbon Image | Notes |
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| A. Scott Crossfield Award | 1998 | |  | Awarded by National Headquarters to members who have earned the master level rating in the aerospace education specialty track and served as aerospace education officer. |
| Brigadier General Charles E. "Chuck" Yeager Award (AEPSM) | 1982 | |  | Awarded for successful completion of the Aerospace Education Program for Senior Members (AEPSM). |
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Cadet Program Awards/Achievements (1942-1964) |
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| Award or Ribbon Name | Authorized | Retired | Ribbon Image | Notes |
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| Blue Merit Ribbon | 1949 | 1957 |  | Initially awarded to "Cadets who distinguish themselves by exceptionally meritorious service to the Cadet Program or by extraordinary acts of heroism under unusually hazardous conditions". Later awarded for 3 years of cadet service |
| White Merit Ribbon | 1949 | 1957 |  | Initially awarded to cadets who attained a 90% score in the Secondary Training program, later awarded for 2 years of cadet service |
| Red Merit Ribbon | 1949 | 1957 |  | Initially awarded to cadets who attained a 90% score in the Basic Training program, later awarded for 1 year of cadet service |
| Cadet Certificate of Proficiency | 1956 | 1964 | | The Certificate of Proficiency (COP) was the highest milestone award of the cadet program prior to 1964. Bronze clasp attachments were added to the COP ribbon for continued participation and completion of achievements 7, 8, and 9 of the cadet program. Unsure what exactly cadets were given from 1950-53 to recognize the COP. From 1954-56 cadets received a certificate signed by the Air Force Chief of Staff and the CAP National Commander but the COP ribbon was not introduced until 1956. |
| Cadet Certificate of Proficiency (Ach 7) | 1957 | 1964 |  |
| Cadet Certificate of Proficiency (Ach 8) | 1957 | 1964 |  |
| Cadet Certificate of Proficiency (Ach 9) | 1957 | 1964 |  |
| Cadet Certificate of Proficiency (earned prior to 1964) | 1964 | | |
| Blue Cadet Training Ribbon (Ach 6) | 1957 | 1964 |  | Awarded for completion of achievement 6 of the pre-1964 cadet program |
| Blue Cadet Training Ribbon (Ach 5) | 1957 | 1964 | | Awarded for completion of achievement 5 of the pre-1964 cadet program |
| White Cadet Training Ribbon (Ach 4) | 1957 | 1964 |  | Awarded for completion of achievement 4 of the pre-1964 cadet program |
| White Cadet Training Ribbon (Ach 3) | 1957 | 1964 | | Awarded for completion of achievement 3 of the pre-1964 cadet program |
| Red Cadet Training Ribbon (Ach 2) | 1957 | 1964 |  | Awarded for completion of achievement 2 of the pre-1964 cadet program |
| Red Cadet Training Ribbon (Ach 1) | 1957 | 1964 | | Awarded for completion of achievement 1 of the pre-1964 cadet program |
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Cadet Program Awards/Achievements (1964-Present) |
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| Award or Ribbon Name | Authorized | Retired | Ribbon Image | Notes |
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| Col. Frank Borman Falcon Award | 1964 | 1979 |  | Awarded to members who achieved the highest possible accomplishments in the CAP Cadet Program (Spaatz Award) and who took subsequent steps to become dynamic Americans and aerospace leaders (discontinued 30 JUN 1979). The original falcon head ribbon was actually made of metal-enamel. A new cloth ribbon design (two-star) was adopted in 1979 and an alternate design (one-star) appeared circa 1998. |
| Col. Frank Borman Falcon Award (earned prior to 1979) | 1979 | |  |
| Col. Frank Borman Falcon Award (Alternate Version) | 1998 | |  |
| Gen. Carl A. Spaatz Award | 1964 | 1985 |  | Awarded for completion of all phases of the CAP cadet program and passing the General Carl A. Spaatz Award examination and the cadet is promoted to grade of C/Col. This is the current pinnacle of the cadet program. A silver star can be attached to the ribbon by senior members who attended Cadet Officers' School at Maxwell AFB, Alabama as a cadet. |
| Gen. Carl A. Spaatz Award | 1985 | |  |
| Gen. Carl A. Spaatz Award (COS Star) | 1985 | |  |
| Gen. Ira C. Eaker Award | 1998 | |  | Awarded for completion of the specific requirements in Phase IV of the cadet program and the cadet is promoted to grade of C/LtCol. A silver star can be attached to the ribbon by senior members who attended Cadet Officers' School at Maxwell AFB, Alabama as a cadet. |
| Gen. Ira C. Eaker Award (COS Star) | 1998 | |  |
| Amelia Earhart Award | 1964 | 1985 |  | Awarded for completion of the specific requirements in Phase III of the cadet program. At this point, the cadet is promoted to grade of C/Capt. A silver star can be attached to the ribbon by senior members who attended Cadet Officers' School at Maxwell AFB, Alabama as a cadet. From 1991 until the adoption of the General Ira C. Eaker Award, a silver clasp was used to recognize completion of Phase IV of the cadet program. |
| Amelia Earhart Award | 1985 | |  |
| Amelia Earhart Award (COS Star) | 1985 | |  |
| Amelia Earhart Award (Phase IV Clasp) | 1991 | 2002 |  |
| Amelia Earhart Award (Phase IV Clasp & COS Star) | 1991 | 2002 |  |
| Billy Mitchell Award | 1964 | 1985 |  | Awarded for completion of the specific requirements in Phases I and II of the CAP cadet program and passing a comprehensive examination. At this point, the cadet is promoted to grade of C/2dLt (prior to 1998, cadets were promoted to the grade of Flight Officer and prior to 1984, cadets were promoted to the grade of Warrant Officer). Cadets who have attended Cadet Officers' School at Maxwell AFB, Alabama may wear a silver star attachment to this ribbon. From Jan 1971 to Sep 1971 all achievement ribbons were to be removed once Mitchell Award had been earned. |
| Billy Mitchell Award | 1985 | |  |
| Billy Mitchell Award (COS Star) | 1985 | |  |
| Neil Armstrong Achievement | 1998 | |  | Awarded for completion of the Neil Armstrong Achievement. In 2021, a silver star was authorized for cadets who earn Honor Credit by completing both the Cadet Interactive module and the traditional written test for this achievement. |
| Neil Armstrong Achievement (Honor Credit) | 2021 | |  |
| Dr. Robert H. Goddard Achievement | 1964 | 1971 |  | Awarded for completion of the Dr. Robert H. Goddard Achievement. A silver star attachment may be added by cadets who have earned both the Billy Mitchell Award and the CAP Model Rocketry Badge. The Goddard ribbon was eliminated in the 1971 ribbon purge, but was reinstated in June 1972.
In 2021, an additional silver star was authorized for cadets who earn Honor Credit by completing both the Cadet Interactive module and the traditional written test for this achievement. Cadets with the Billy Mitchell Award, the CAP Model Rocketry Badge, and Honor Credit could wear two silver stars on the Goddard Achievement Ribbon. |
| Dr. Robert H. Goddard Achievement | 1972 | 1985 | |
| Dr. Robert H. Goddard Achievement (Rocketry Star) | 1980 | 1985 |  |
| Dr. Robert H. Goddard Achievement | 1985 | |  |
| Dr. Robert H. Goddard Achievement (Honor Credit or Rocketry Star) | 1985 | |  |
| Dr. Robert H. Goddard Achievement (Honor Credit & Rocketry Star) | 2021 | |  |
| Gen. Jimmy Doolittle Achievement | 1964 | 1985 |  | Awarded for completion of the Gen. Jimmy Doolittle Achievement. In 2021, a silver star was authorized for cadets who earn Honor Credit by completing both the Cadet Interactive module and the traditional written test for this achievement. |
| Gen. Jimmy Doolittle Achievement | 1985 | |  |
| Gen. Jimmy Doolittle Achievement (Honor Credit) | 2021 | |  |
| Charles Lindberg Achievement | 1964 | 1985 |  | Awarded for completion of Achievement 5. Previously named after aviation pioneer Charles Lindberg, a 2021 review determined that Lindberg's legacy of racial bias conflicts with CAP's Core Values and this achievement was redesignated as Achievement 5. In 2021, a silver star was authorized for cadets who earn Honor Credit by completing both the Cadet Interactive module and the traditional written test for this achievement. |
| Achievement 5 | 1985 | |  |
| Achievement 5 (Honor Credit) | 2021 | |  |
| Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker Achievement | 1964 | 1985 |  | Awarded for completion of the Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker Achievement. In 2021, a silver star was authorized for cadets who earn Honor Credit by completing both the Cadet Interactive module and the traditional written test for this achievement. |
| Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker Achievement | 1985 | |  |
| Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker Achievement (Honor Credit) | 2021 | |  |
| Wright Brothers Achievement | 1964 | 1985 |  | Awarded for completion of the specific requirements in Phase I of the cadet program. At this point, the cadet is promoted to grade of C/SSgt. |
| Wright Brothers Achievement (Wright Brothers Award after 2003) | 1985 | |  |
| Mary Feik Achievement | 2003 | |  | Awarded for completion of the Mary Feik Achievement. In 2021, a silver star was authorized for cadets who earn Honor Credit by completing both the Cadet Interactive module and the traditional written test for this achievement. |
| Mary Feik Achievement (Honor Credit) | 2021 | |  |
| Gen. Hap Arnold Achievement | 1964 | 1985 |  | Awarded for completion of the Gen. Hap Arnold Achievement. In 2021, a silver star was authorized for cadets who earn Honor Credit by completing both the Cadet Interactive module and the traditional written test for this achievement. |
| Gen. Hap Arnold Achievement | 1985 | |  |
| Gen. Hap Arnold Achievement (Honor Credit) | 2021 | |  |
| Gen. J.F. Curry Achievement | 1964 | 1985 |  | Awarded for completion of the Gen. J.F. Curry Achievement. In 2021, a silver star was authorized for cadets who earn Honor Credit by completing both the Cadet Interactive module and the traditional written test for this achievement. |
| Gen. J.F. Curry Achievement | 1985 | |  |
| Gen. J.F. Curry Achievement (Honor Credit) | 2021 | |  |
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Service Awards |
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| Award or Ribbon Name | Authorized | Retired | Ribbon Image | Notes |
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| Special Award, Commander (NEC) | 1966 | 1971 |  | Awarded by the National Executive Committee (NEC) for service as National Commander or National Vice Commander |
| Special Award, Commander (Region) | 1966 | 1971 |  | For service as CAP Region Commander |
| Special Award, Commander (Wing) | 1966 | 1971 |  | For service as CAP Wing Commander |
| Special Award, Commander (Group) | 1966 | 1971 |  | For service as CAP Group Commander |
| Special Award, Commander (Squadron) | 1966 | 1971 |  | For service as CAP Squadron Commander |
| Command Service Ribbon (National) | 1998 | |  | For service as CAP National Commander |
| Command Service Ribbon (Region) | 1998 | |  | For service as CAP Region Commander |
| Command Service Ribbon (Wing) | 1998 | |  | For service as CAP Wing Commander |
| Command Service Ribbon (Group) | 1998 | |  | For service as CAP Group Commander |
| Command Service Ribbon (Squadron) | 1998 | |  | For service as CAP Squadron Commander |
| AFA Squadron Cadet of the Year | 1998 | |  | An annual award established by the Air Force Association (AFA) to recognize the outstanding CAP cadet in each squadron. |
| AFSA Squadron NCO of the Year | 1998 | |  | An annual award established by the Air Force Sergeants Association to recognize the outstanding CAP cadet NCO in each squadron. |
| VFW Cadet Officer Award | 1998 | |  | An annual award established by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) to recognize the outstanding CAP cadet officer in each squadron. |
| VFW Cadet NCO Award | 1998 | |  | An annual award established by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) to recognize the outstanding CAP cadet NCO in each squadron. |
| CAP Crisis Service Ribbon | 2021 | |  | Established 1 December 2021 (retroactive to 1 March 2020) in recognition of CAP membership during periods when the entire organization was under significant stress responding to a lengthy, nation-wide emergency. The National Commander will determine when to grant this award and the period of service involved. Only one award is earned per service period; awards during additional periods are recognized by the wear of the bronze triangle clasp. Any active member (cadet/senior/50-year or life) who has served at least 1 day in an active status during the period is eligible to wear the ribbon. The award period for service during the COVID-19 pandemic is from 1 March 2020 to 31 October 2022. |
| Blue Service Award | 1944 | 1949 |  | 1,000 hours + 2 years |
| Red Service Award | 1944 | 1949 |  | 500 hours + 18 months |
| Green Service Award | 1944 | 1949 |  | 250 hours + 1 year |
| Silver Service Ribbon (25 Years of Service) | 1967 | 1971 |  | 25 years of CAP service |
| Blue Service Award (Senior Member) | 1949 | 1971 |  | 2,000 hours + 6 years |
| White Service Award (Senior Member) | 1949 | 1971 |  | 1,000 hours + 4 years |
| Red Service Award (Senior Member) | 1949 | 1982 |  | Awarded for two years of CAP service, with attachments added to indicate five-year increments. Originally, in addition to two years of service, the Red Service Award also required at least 500 hours of active participation. The Red Service Award was not awarded to cadets until 1971. When the propeller was removed from the ribbon in 1982, cadets continued to use the propeller version until 1985 (to allow NHQ to exhaust old-style ribbon supplies from inventory). |
| Red Service Award (Cadet) | 1971 | 1985 | |
| Red Service Award (Senior Member) | 1982 | 1985 |  |
| Red Service Award | 1985 | | |
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Activity and Participation Awards |
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| Award or Ribbon Name | Authorized | Retired | Ribbon Image | Notes |
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| Organizer Ribbon | 1961 | 1971 |  | Awarded to the member instrumental in organizing a particular unit of which he is a member |
| Cadre Ribbon | 1961 | 1971 |  | Awarded to the members of the CAP who rendered the most assistance toward the formation of a new unit |
| FAA Orientation Course | 1961 | 1971 |  | FAA Orientation Course participation |
| Jet Age (or Aerospace Age) Orientation Course | 1961 | 1971 |  | Jet Age (or Aerospace Age) Orientation Course participation |
| Jet Orientation Course | 1961 | 1971 |  | Jet Orientation Course participation |
| Space Age Orientation Course | 1961 | 1971 |  | Space Age Orientation Course participation |
| NCFE (National Cadet Flying Encampment) | 1965 | 1971 |  | NCFE (National Cadet Flying Encampment) participants were awarded the basic ribbon. Cadets completing their glider pilot certificate at the encampment wore a silver star attachment and those completing their private pilot certificate wore two silver star attachments. |
| NCFE – Glider Pilot | 1965 | 1971 |  |
| NCFE – Private Pilot | 1965 | 1971 |  |
| RCFE (Regional Cadet Flying Encampment) | 1966 | 1971 |  | RCFE (Regional Cadet Flying Encampment) participants were awarded the basic ribbon. Cadets completing their glider pilot certificate at the encampment wore a silver star attachment and those completing their private pilot certificate wore two silver star attachments. |
| RCFE – Glider Pilot | 1966 | 1971 |  |
| RCFE – Private Pilot | 1966 | 1971 |  |
| ECI Course Completion (complete ECI course 7c) | 1967 | 1971 |  | ECI Course Completion (complete ECI course 7c) |
| ECI Training Ribbon | 1967 | 1971 |  | ECI Training (other courses) |
| Cadet Leadership School Ribbon | 1968 | 1970 |  | Cadet Leadership School Ribbon participation. This very short-lived ribbon was originally worn between the Goddard Achievement and the General Billy Mitchell Award. |
| Communications Service | 1968 | 1971 |  | Awarded for completion of an array of communications training activities and service for 3+ years as a communications officer. A bronze star attachment was authorized for also holding a valid commercial or amateur radio license. |
| National Search & Rescue Training | 1970 | 1971 |  | National Search & Rescue Training Academy participation |
| Aircrew SAR Find (Senior Members Only) | 1956 | 1971 |  | Awarded to any CAP member of the wing making a find (distress or non-distress) on a search and rescue mission. A propeller attachment indicates the member was part of an aircrew making the find. Initially awarded only to senior members, cadets became eligible beginning in 1971. |
| SAR Find (Senior Members Only) | 1956 | 1971 |  |
| Aircrew SAR Find | 1971 | 1982 | |
| SAR Find | 1971 | 1982 | |
| Aircrew SAR Find | 1982 | |  |
| SAR Find | 1982 | |  |
| Air Search and Rescue Aircrew (Senior Members Only) | 1956 | 1960 |  | Awarded for completing 10 search and rescue sorties in an actual search and rescue mission. A bronze clasp is awarded for each additional 10 sorties. A propeller attachment indicates the member was part of an aircrew during one or more sorties. Initially awarded only to senior members, cadets became eligible beginning in 1960. |
| Air Search and Rescue (Senior Members Only) | 1956 | 1960 |  |
| Air Search and Rescue Aircrew | 1960 | | |
| Air Search and Rescue | 1960 | | |
| Counterdrug Ribbon | 1998 | |  | Awarded to senior members for participation in 10 counterdrug sorties. A bronze clasp is awarded for each additional 10 sorties. |
| Civil Defense Ribbon (Vietnam Era? all-cloth) | 1970 | 1979 |  | Two different versions of the Civil Defense ribbon are known to have been used by CAP, however origin of the horizontal-striped version is uncertain. |
| Civil Defense Ribbon w/metallic CD attachment | 1970 | 1979 |  |
| Disaster Relief Ribbon | 1980 | |  | Awarded for participation in five actual/evaluated disaster relief missions and completion of additional training requirements. The Disaster Relief Ribbon with a silver “V” device awarded for participation in a disaster relief effort for a Presidential declared disaster. Participation in any Presidential declared disaster since 1990 qualifies. |
| Disaster Relief Ribbon (Presidential Declared) | 1998 | |  |
| Homeland Security Ribbon | 2007 | |  | Awarded for participation in ten actual Homeland Security sorties as defined by the tasking organization as being in the interest of the security and/or defense of the nation. Clasps may be added to the ribbon for participation in every ten additional sorties. |
| Cadet Orientation Pilot | 1998 | |  | Awarded to members who provide 50 cadet orientation flights. A bronze clasp may be added for each additional 50 flights. |
| Community Service Ribbon | 1998 | |  | Awarded to members who complete 60 hours of community service outside of Civil Air Patrol. |
| International Air Cadet Exchange | 1956 | 1985 |  | Awarded to cadets and senior member escorts participating in the International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE) outside the continental limits of the United States. Original exchange programs were gender-segregated with female cadets typically traveling to Canada. The same ribbon design was awarded for both exchanges but a different design was adopted for the Girls’ Exchange from 1961-1968. This was the last CAP ribbon to feature the distinctive propeller design until it was simplified in 1985. |
| Girls’ Exchange | 1956 | 1961 | |
| Girls’ Exchange | 1961 | 1968 |  |
| International Air Cadet Exchange | 1985 | |  |
| International Drill Competition | 1956 | 1971 |  | Awarded for participation in the International Cadet Drill Competition. |
| National Drill Competition | 1956 | 1961 |  | Awarded for participation in the National Cadet Drill Competition. |
| National Drill Competition | 1961 | 1971 |  |
| National Cadet Competition | 1977 | |  |
| National Color Guard Competition | 1998 | |  | Awarded for participation in the National Color Guard Competition. |
| Cadet Advisory Council | 1964 | |  | Awarded to all primary members of each cadet advisory council. Bronze, Silver, and Gold stars have been used to indicate the highest echelon at which the cadet served. |
| National Special Activities | 1961 | 1971 | | Awarded to cadets and senior members who participate in national cadet special activities which do not have a distinctive ribbon of their own. |
| National Cadet Special Activities | 1987 | |  |
| Encampment Participation | 1954 | 1971 |  | Awarded to cadets for satisfactory completion of an encampment and to senior members for service as a member of an encampment staff. Original design was part of the 1971 purge and a new design was reauthorized in 1985. |
| Encampment Ribbon | 1985 | |  |
| Senior Recruiter Ribbon | 1963 | |  | Awarded to senior members who recruit seven new qualified cadets or senior members for CAP. A bronze clasp is awarded for each additional 10 members recruited. |
| Cadet Recruiter Ribbon | 1961 | |  | Awarded to cadets who recruit two new qualified cadets or senior members for CAP. A bronze clasp is awarded for each additional two members recruited. |
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Civil Air Patrol WWII Wartime Service Awards |
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| Award or Ribbon Name | Authorized | Retired | Ribbon Image | Notes |
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| Wartime Service | 1982 | |  | Six pictographic ribbons are authorized for wartime service between February 1942 and July 1945. As these ribbons are no longer manufactured, a simplified design was approved in 1982 as a replacement for all wartime service ribbons. While exceedingly rare, these pictographic ribbons are still authorized. |
| Anti-Submarine Coastal Patrol | 1954 | |  |
| Southern Liaison Patrol | 1954 | |  |
| Tow-Target & Tracking | 1954 | |  |
| Courier | 1954 | |  |
| Forest Patrol | 1954 | |  |
| Missing Aircraft | 1954 | |  |
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Military Awards to Civil Air Patrol |
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| Award or Ribbon Name | Authorized | Retired | Ribbon Image | Notes |
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| Air Force Cross | 1960 | |  | Awarded for extraordinary heroism, not justifying the award of a Medal of Honor, to any person, who while serving with the U.S. Air Force while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States, engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force, or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in conflict against an opposing Armed Force in which the United States in not a belligerent party.
In accordance with Department of the Air Force Instruction 36-2803, the Air Force authorizes the award of the Air Force Cross to Civil Air Patrol personnel when engaged in official Air Force Auxiliary missions. However, the Air Force only utilizes the Civil Air Patrol in an Air Force Auxiliary status for non-combat programs and missions. As a result, although Civil Air Patrol members are technically eligible to earn the Air Force Cross, no CAP members have ever been awarded the Air Force Cross for their CAP service and the probability of it ever being awarded is extremely low. |
| Air Force Distinguished Service Medal | 1960 | |  | The Air Force Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to recognize distinguished and exceptionally meritorious service to the United States while serving in a duty or position of great responsibility. The interpretation of the phrase "great responsibility" means that this medal is generally awarded only to officers who hold at least the rank of major general.
In accordance with Department of the Air Force Instruction 36-2803, the Air Force authorizes the award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Civil Air Patrol personnel when engaged in official Air Force Auxiliary missions. Due to the high rank of typical recipients, very few Civil Air Patrol members would be eligible. There are no known cases of CAP members being awarded the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal for their CAP service and the probability of it being awarded is extremely low. |
| Silver Star Medal | 1942 | |  | Awarded by all branches of the Armed Forces to any person who, while serving in any capacity, is cited for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force, or while serving with friendly forces against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
In accordance with Department of the Air Force Instruction 36-2803, the Air Force authorizes the award of the Silver Star Medal to Civil Air Patrol personnel when engaged in official Air Force Auxiliary missions. However, the Air Force only utilizes the Civil Air Patrol in an Air Force Auxiliary status for non-combat programs and missions. As a result, although Civil Air Patrol members are technically eligible to earn the Silver Star Medal, no CAP members have ever been awarded the Silver Star Medal for their CAP service and the probability of it ever being awarded is extremely low. |
| Air Medal | 1942 | |  | Awarded to members of the armed forces for heroic or meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight. During WWII, a total of 824 CAP members received the Air Medal with two CAP members (Edmond Edwards and Hugh Sharp, Jr.) being awarded the Air Medal twice. Sixteen Air Medals were awarded posthumously to CAP members. |
| Aerial Achievement Medal | 1988 | |  | Awarded, in the name of the Secretary of the Air Force, to members of the United States military or civilian personnel, while serving in a capacity with the U.S. Air Force, who distinguish 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 and recognizes the contributions of aircrew members who would otherwise not be eligible for award of the Air Medal.
In accordance with Department of the Air Force Instruction 36-2803, the Air Force authorizes the award of the Aerial Achievement Medal to Civil Air Patrol personnel when engaged in official Air Force Auxiliary missions. While there are cases of CAP members being awarded the Aerial Achievement Medal for their CAP service, such presentations are extremely rare. |
| AF Organizational Excellence Award | 2016 | |  | In an unprecedented act of recognition, the Secretary of the Air Force awarded the United States Air Force Organizational Excellence Award to CAP for the period of 01 OCT 2012 to 31 AUG 2016.
Approximately 56,000 CAP Cadets and Senior Members were recipients of this award at the time of presentation. |