Air Force Organizational Excellence Award

In 1969 the Air Force created its Organizational Excellence Award as the newest of the medals of America. These Air Force ribbons are presented to internal organizations of the Air Force, which are sub-entities within larger units. These unique and unnumbered organizations perform certain functions normally performed by numbered wings, groups, or squadrons. These military ribbons are the lowest ranking Air Force unit awards, and are generally used to recognize enlisted personnel for unit cohesion and efficiency which is above the normal grade. These Air Force military medals and military ribbons are worn below all other Air Force unit awards in the general order of precedence which has been established for the proper display of military medals and ribbons. Subsequent awards are denoted by Oak Leaf Clusters worn on these military ribbons. If these decorations are awarded for combat operations or direct combat support roles, the “V” valor device may also be displayed. A Unit Banner has also been approved for unit display.