The Soldier’s Medal had been awarded to all branches of military service since its creation in 1926. The Air Force wanted its own version of the Soldier’s Medal, so on July 6, 1960, the United States Congress established the Airman’s Medal. These military medals are bestowed upon Air Force personnel who distinguish themselves by heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy, but including the risk of the soldier’s own life and usually involving an attempt to save the life of another.
The Airman’s Medal is the equivalent of the Army Soldier’s Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, and the Coast Guard Medal. These military ribbons and medals rank just below the Distinguished Flying Cross, and just above the Bronze Star in the order of precedence for military awards. Additional awards of these military decorations are denoted by Oak Leaf Clusters.
The Airman’s Medal can be worn in the following forms: full size military medals, military mini medals, military ribbons (service ribbons), and lapel pins. This medal, like most military medals, is available in the following styles: traditional slide-on, full size military medals or mini-medals, traditional slide-on military ribbons, and trim, new thin military mini-medals or military ribbons.