CHAPTER 857 —DECORATIONS AND AWARDS
Amendments
1960—
Extension of Time for Award of Decoration
For extension of time for award of decorations, or devices in lieu of decorations, for acts or services performed in direct support of military operations in Southeast Asia between July 1, 1958, and Mar. 28, 1973, see
For extension of time for award of decoration, or device in lieu of decoration, for an act or service performed while on active duty in military or naval forces, or while serving with such forces, between June 27, 1950, and July 27, 1953, see act Aug. 2, 1956, ch. 877,
Meritorious Service Medal
Establishment of, see Ex. Ord. No. 11448, set out as a note preceding
Cross References
Decorations and awards, general military law provisions, see
§8741. Medal of honor: award
The President may award, and present in the name of Congress, a medal of honor of appropriate design, with ribbons and appurtenances, to a person who, while a member of the Air Force, distinguishes himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty—
(1) while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;
(2) while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or
(3) while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041,
| Revised section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 8741 | 10:1403. | July 9, 1918, ch. 143, (8th par. under "Ordnance Department"), |
The words "That the provisions of existing law relating to the award of medals of honor to officers, noncommissioned officers, and privates of the Army be, and they hereby are, amended so that", in the Act of July 9, 1918, ch. 143 (8th par. under "Ordnance Department"),
Amendments
1963—
Cross References
Award of Medal of Honor to members of Army and Navy, see
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
§8742. Air Force cross: award
The President may award an Air Force cross of appropriate design, with ribbons and appurtenances, to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the Air Force, distinguishes himself by extraordinary heroism not justifying the award of a medal of honor—
(1) while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;
(2) while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or
(3) while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041,
| Revised section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 8742 | 10:1406. | July 9, 1918, ch. 143 (9th par. under "Ordnance Department"), |
The words "but not in the name of Congress" are omitted as surplusage, since a medal is presented in the name of Congress only if the law so directs. The words "since the 6th day of April, 1917" are omitted as executed. The word "award" is substituted for the word "present" to cover the determination of the recipients as well as the actual presentation of the medal, and to conform to other sections of this chapter. The words "or herself" are omitted, since, under
Amendments
1963—
1960—
References to Distinguished-Service Cross and Soldier's Medal Considered Made to Air Force Cross and Airman's Medal
Section 3 of
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
§8743. Distinguished-service medal: award
The President may award a distinguished-service medal of appropriate design and a ribbon, together with a rosette or other device to be worn in place thereof, to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the Air Force, distinguishes himself by exceptionally meritorious service to the United States in a duty of great responsibility.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041,
| Revised section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 8743 | 10:1407. | July 9, 1918, ch. 143 (10th par., less words after 1st semicolon, under "Ordnance Department"), |
The words "but not in the name of Congress" are omitted as surplusage, since a medal is presented in the name of Congress only if the law so directs. The words "since the 6th day of April, 1917" are omitted as executed. The word "award" is substituted for the word "present" to cover the determination of the recipients as well as the actual presentation of the medal, and to conform to other sections of this chapter. The words "or herself" are omitted, since, under
Cross References
Award of distinguished-service medal to members of Army and Navy, see
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
§8744. Medal of honor; Air Force cross; distinguished-service medal: limitations on award
(a) No more than one medal of honor, Air Force cross, or distinguished-service medal may be awarded to a person. However, for each succeeding act that would otherwise justify the award of such a medal or cross, the President may award a suitable bar or other device to be worn as he directs.
(b) Except as provided in subsection (d), no medal of honor, Air Force cross, distinguished-service medal, or device in place thereof, may be awarded to a person unless—
(1) the award is made within three years after the date of the act justifying the award;
(2) a statement setting forth the distinguished service and recommending official recognition of it was made within two years after the distinguished service; and
(3) it appears from records of the Department of the Air Force that the person is entitled to the award.
(c) No medal of honor, Air Force cross, distinguished-service medal, or device in place thereof, may be awarded or presented to a person whose service after he distinguished himself has not been honorable.
(d) If the Secretary of the Air Force determines that—
(1) a statement setting forth the distinguished service and recommending official recognition of it was made and supported by sufficient evidence within two years after the distinguished service; and
(2) no award was made, because the statement was lost or through inadvertence the recommendation was not acted on;
a medal of honor, Air Force cross, distinguished-service medal, or device in place thereof, as the case may be, may be awarded to the person concerned within two years after the date of that determination.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041,
| Revised section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 8744(a) 8744(b) 8744(c) |
10:1411. 10:1409 (words before 1st semicolon). 10:1409 (words after 2d semicolon). |
July 9, 1918, ch. 143 (12th par., less words after 2d semicolon, under "Ordnance Department"); restated Jan. 24, 1920, ch. 55, §1 (less last sentence), |
| July 9, 1918, ch. 143 (less words between 1st and 2d semicolons of 15th par. under "Ordnance Department"), |
In subsection (a), the words "may be awarded to a person" are substituted for the words "shall be issued to any one person" to conform to the other subsections of the revised section.
In subsection (b), the word "thereof" is substituted for the words "of either of said medal or of said cross". The words "Except as otherwise prescribed in this section", "at the time of", "specific", "official", and "has so distinguished himself as" are omitted as surplusage.
In subsection (c), 10:1409 (words after 3d semicolon) is omitted as executed. The words "hereinbefore authorized" are omitted as surplusage.
Amendments
1960—
Subsec. (b).
Subsec. (d).
Persons Awarded Distinguished-Service Cross or Soldier's Medal Before July 6, 1960
Section 2 of
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
§8745. Medal of honor; Air Force cross; distinguished-service medal: delegation of power to award
The President may delegate his authority to award the medal of honor, Air Force cross, and distinguished-service medal, to a commanding general of a separate air force or higher unit in the field.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041,
| Revised section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 8745 | 10:1410. | July 9, 1918, ch. 143 (16th par., less words after semicolon, under "Ordnance Department"), |
The words "under such conditions, regulations, and limitations as he shall prescribe" are omitted as surplusage. The words "his authority" are substituted for the words "the power conferred upon him by
Amendments
1960—
Cross References
Delegation of functions, see
§8746. Silver star: award
The President may award a silver star of appropriate design, with ribbons and appurtenances, to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the Air Force, is cited for gallantry in action that does not warrant a medal of honor or Air Force cross—
(1) while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States;
(2) while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or
(3) while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041,
| Revised section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 8746 | 10:1412. | July 9, 1918, ch. 143 (words after 2d semicolon of 12th par. under "Ordnance Department"); restated Jan. 24, 1920, ch. 55, §1 (last sentence); restated Dec. 15, 1942, ch. 736, |
The words "may award" are inserted to conform to other sections of this chapter. The words "if the person earned" are inserted for clarity. The words "commanded by" are omitted as surplusage.
Amendments
1963—
Cross References
Award of silver star to members of Army and Navy, see
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
§8747. Medal of honor; Air Force cross; distinguished-service cross; distinguished-service medal; silver star: replacement
Any medal of honor, Air Force cross, distinguished-service cross, distinguished-service medal, or silver star, or any bar, ribbon, rosette, or other device issued for wear with or in place of any of them, that is lost or destroyed, or becomes unfit for use, without fault or neglect of the person to whom it was awarded, shall be replaced without charge.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041,
| Revised section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 8747 | 10:1416. | July 9, 1918, ch. 143 (14th par. under "Ordnance Department"), |
The words "issued for wear with or in place of any of them" are inserted for clarity. The words "presented under the provisions of this title" and "such medal, cross, bar, ribbon, rosette, or device" are omitted as surplusage.
Amendments
1960—
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
§8748. Medal of honor; Air Force cross; distinguished-service cross; distinguished-service medal; silver star: availability of appropriations
The Secretary of the Air Force may spend, from any appropriation for contingent expenses of the Department of the Air Force, amounts necessary to provide medals and devices under
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041,
| Revised section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 8748 | 10:1424. | July 9, 1918, ch. 143 (13th par. under "Ordnance Department"), |
The word "amounts" is substituted for the words "so much as may be". The word "provides" is substituted for the words "defray the cost of". The words "medals and devices under" are substituted for the words "medals of honor, distinguished-service crosses, distinguished-service medals, bars, rosettes, and other devices provided for in". The words "from time to time" are omitted as surplusage.
Amendments
1960—
§8749. Distinguished flying cross: award; limitations
(a) The President may award a distinguished flying cross of appropriate design with accompanying ribbon to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Air Force, distinguishes himself by heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight.
(b) Not more than one distinguished flying cross may be awarded to a person. However, for each succeeding act that would otherwise justify the award of such a cross, the President may award a suitable bar or other device to be worn as he directs.
(c) No distinguished flying cross, or device in place thereof, may be awarded or presented to a person whose service after he distinguished himself has not been honorable.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041,
| Revised section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 8749(a) 8749(b) 8749(c) |
10:1429 (less 2d and last sentences). 10:1429 (2d sentence). 10:1429 (last sentence, less 1st 49 words). |
July 2, 1926, ch. 721, §12 (less 1st 49 words of last sentence), |
In subsection (a), the words "under such rules and regulations as he may prescribe" are omitted, since the President has inherent authority to issue regulations appropriate to exercising his functions. The words "but not in the name of Congress" are omitted as surplusage, since a medal is presented in the name of Congress only if the law so directs. The word "award" is substituted for the word "present" to cover the determination of the recipients as well as the actual presentation of the medal. The words "since the 6th day of April, 1917, has distinguished, or who, after July 2, 1926" and 10:1429 (proviso of 1st sentence) are omitted as executed.
Cross References
Award of distinguished flying cross to members of Army and Navy, see
§8750. Airman's Medal: award; limitations
(a)(1) The President may award a decoration called the "Airman's Medal", of appropriate design with accompanying ribbon, to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Air Force, distinguishes himself by heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy.
(2) The authority in paragraph (1) includes authority to award the medal to a member of the Ready Reserve who was not in a duty status defined in
(b) Not more than one Airman's Medal may be awarded to a person. However, for each succeeding act that would otherwise justify the award of such a medal, the President may award a suitable bar or other device to be worn as he directs.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041,
| Revised section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 8750(a) | 10:1428 (less last sentence). | July 2, 1926, ch. 721, §11, |
| 8750(b) | 10:1428 (last sentence). |
The words "Under such rules and regulations as he may prescribe" are omitted, since the President has inherent authority to issue regulations appropriate to exercising his functions. The words "but not in the name of Congress" are omitted as surplusage, since a medal is presented in the name of Congress only if the law so directs. The word "award" is substituted for the word "present" to cover the determination of the recipients as well as the actual presentation of the medal. The words "a decoration called" are substituted for the words "a medal to be known as". The words "including the National Guard and the Organized Reserves" are omitted as surplusage. The words "or herself" are omitted, since, under
In subsection (b), the words "that would otherwise justify" are substituted for the words "sufficient to".
Amendments
1997—Subsec. (a).
1960—
Cross References
Award of Soldier's Medal to member of Army, see
§8751. Service medals: issue; replacement; availability of appropriations
(a) The Secretary of the Air Force shall procure, and issue without charge to any person entitled thereto, any service medal authorized for members of the Air Force after September 26, 1947, and any ribbon, clasp, star, or similar device prescribed as a part of that medal.
(b) Under such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe, any medal or other device issued under subsection (a) that is lost, destroyed, or becomes unfit for use without fault or neglect of the owner, may be replaced at cost. However, if the owner is a member of the Air Force, the medal or device may be replaced without charge.
(c) The Secretary may spend, from any appropriation for the support of the Air Force, amounts necessary to provide medals and devices under this section.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041,
| Revised section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 8751(a) 8751(b) 8751(c) |
10:1415a (less 21st through 30th words, and less clauses (a) through (n)). 10:1415b (less applicability to 10:1415a (clauses (a) through (n))). 10:1415c (less applicability to 10:1415a (clauses (a) through (n))). |
May 12, 1928, ch. 528, §§1 (less 25th through 34th words, and less clauses (a) through (n)), 2 (less applicability to §1 (clauses (a) through (n))), 3 (less applicability to §1 (clauses (a) through (n))), |
In subsection (a), the words "authorized for members of the Air Force after September 26, 1947" are substituted for the words "hereafter authorized", since, under Transfer Order 1, that date was the effective date of the transfer of personnel from the Army to the Air Force under section 208(e) of the National Security Act of 1947, as amended (
In subsection (b), the words "member of the Air Force" are substituted for the words "persons in the military service of the United States".
In subsection (c), the last 16 words are substituted for 10:1415c (last 16 words).
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in
§8752. Medals: posthumous award and presentation
(a) If a person dies before the award of a medal of honor, distinguished-service cross, distinguished-service medal, distinguished flying cross, or device in place thereof, to which he is entitled, the award may be made and the medal or device presented to his representative, as designated by the President.
(b) If a person dies before an authorized service medal or device prescribed as a part thereof is presented to him under
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041,
| Revised section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|---|---|
| 8752(a) 8752(b) |
10:1409 (words between 1st and 2d semicolons). 10:1429 (1st 49 words of last sentence). 10:1415a (21st through 30th words, less applicability to clauses (a) through (n)). |
July 9, 1918, ch. 143 (words between 1st and 2d semicolons of 15th par. under "Ordnance Department"), July 2, 1926, ch. 721, §12 (1st 49 words of last sentence), |
| May 12, 1928, ch. 528, §1 (25th through 34th words, less applicability to clauses (a) through (n)), |
In subsection (a), the words "If a person" are substituted for the words "In case an individual * * * dies", in 10:1409, and "In case an individual * * * shall have died", in 10:1429. The words "within three years from the date", in 10:1409, are omitted as covered by
1958 Act
The change reflects the fact that the source statute for these sections (sec. 1 of the Act of May 12, 1928, ch. 528,
Amendments
1958—Subsec. (b).
Effective Date of 1958 Amendment
Amendment by
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in