Air Medal

Awarded to U.S. military and civilian personnel for single acts of heroism or meritorious achievements while participating in aerial flight and foreign military personnel in actual combat in support of operations. Required achievement is less than that required for the Distinguished Flying Cross, but must be accomplished with distinction above and beyond that expected of professional airmen. It is not awarded for peace time sustained operational activities and flights.

In accordance with Department of the Air Force Instruction 36-2803, the Air Force authorizes the award of the Air 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, no Civil Air Patrol members have been awarded the Air Medal since World War II.

During World War II, a total of 824 CAP members received the Air Medal. Two CAP members, Edmond Edwards and Hugh Sharp, Jr. were awarded the Air Medal twice. Sixteen Air Medals were awarded posthumously to CAP members during that war.