History of the Air Force Medal of Honor

The mission of the United States Air Force is to fly, fight and win.

On July 6, 1960, Congress established the Congressional Medal of Honor as the highest award specifically granted by the United States Air Force. In the name of Congress, it is awarded to officers and enlisted members of the USAF who have distinguished themselves above and beyond the call of duty by risking their own lives in combat action with a known armed enemy of the United States.

Medal Design

The laurel wreat is traditionally awarded for winning a championship or commemorating some other event.

Lewis J. King, Jr. of the Army's Institute of Heraldry designed the Air Force Medal of Honor as a gold-finished, five-pointed star tipped in trefoils. One point of the star faces down and each point contains a crown of laurel and oak on an enameled green background. In the center of the star is an annular of 34 stars surrounding the profile of the head of the Statue of Liberty. Surrounding the star is a green-enameled, gold-edged laurel wreath.

Finishing Touches

13 white stars are arranged in the form of a three bar chevron on the Medal of Honor ribbon.

According to the Air Force, "The medal is suspended from a design, taken from the Air Force coat of arms." The center of the design portrays a baton with eagle claws resting on a pair of thunderbolt-emitting aviator's wings on each end. A horizontal bar is attached bearing the word "Valor." The neck ribbon of the medal passes through this bar and contains an octagonal pad of the traditional light blue moiré ribbon embroidered with 13 stars.

Major Bernard F. Fisher

Major Fisher risked his own life for a fellow airman.

At the White House, on January 19, 1967, the first presentation of the Congressional Air Force Medal of Honor was made to Major Bernard F. Fisher of the United States Air Force. Major Fisher was born in San Bernardino, California and joined the USAF in Kuna, Idaho. On March 10, 1966 in Bien Hoa and Pleiku, Vietnam, Major Fisher risked his life under an attack of 2,000 hostile North Vietnamese Army regulars who had positioned themselves between the airstrip and camp at A Shau. During a fierce battle that completely surrounded the camp and airfield, Major Fisher observed a fellow airman crash-land on the airstrip. Believing the downed pilot had been seriously injured and that his capture was imminent, Major Fisher announced his intention to land and rescue, despite the extreme danger he was about to place himself in. Through heavy gunfire (19 bullets struck his aircraft), Fisher landed and rescued the downed airman. The United States Air Force stated, "Major Fisher's profound concern for his fellow airman, and at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Air Force and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country."

Vietnam War

13 medals were awarded for actions during the war in Vietnam.

For actions during the war in Vietnam, the Air Force Medal of Honor was awarded a total of 13 times. Captain Steven L. Bennett, Captain Lance P. Sijan, Captain Hillard A. Wilbanks and Airman 1st Class William H. Pitsenbarger were posthumously award. Captain Siljan and Colonel George E. Day, the most highly decorated officer in the Air Force, were prisoners of war and were awarded the medal for extraordinary heroism. Major Merlyn Hans Dethlefsen, Captain James P. Fleming, Lieutenant Colonel Joe M. Jackson, Sergeant John L. Levitow, Lieutenant Colonel Leo K. Thorsness, Captain Gerald O. Young and Colonel William A. Jones III also received the medal posthumously for actions in the war in Vietnam.

World War I, World War II and Korea

The USAF has defended the USA in six wars since its inception.

The United States Air Force has been active since September 18, 1947. It has defended the United States of America through engagements in the Korean War, War in Vietnam, Gulf War, Kosovo Campaign, Afghanistan Warand Iraq War.

Prior to the U.S. Air Force Medal of Honor design being adopted, members of the U.S. Army Air Corps, U.S. Army Air Forces, and the U.S. Air Force received the Army version of the medal.

References

• Home of Heroes: MOH
• Air Force Personnel Center: Air Force Medal of Honor