US Aerial Achievement Medal

Description

Established in 1988, the Air Force Aerial Achievement Medal aims to recognize Air Force personnel who are not qualified for the Air Medal but have consistently demonstrated exceptional performance in aerial flight that goes beyond standard expectations. The award is also applicable to operators of unmanned aircraft. This medal can be awarded to serving and civilian personnel.

Design

The medal is a bronze circular shape, with an eagle with spread wings in the centre. Above the eagle is a string of stars, and three crossed lightning bolts beneath.

Ribbon

The accompanying silk ribbon has a light blue base and is framed on both sides by an inner stripe of golden yellow and an outer stripe of navy-blue.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Medal history and eligibility Read the full guide to the US Aerial Achievement Medal: its history, who is eligible, and where it sits in the order of wear.

US Aerial Achievement Medal: mounting options explained

Every replica medal can be supplied loose or mounted ready to wear. Here's how the options differ, so you can choose the right one.

Court mounted Required for serving ADF members

The medals are fixed to a stiff backing board so they sit flat and stay in line while worn. It's the neatest presentation, and serving members of the Australian Defence Force are required to wear their medals court mounted.

Swing mounted Traditional style

Each medal hangs freely from its ribbon below a top bar. This was the usual style from the Boer War through to World War II, and there are no fixed rules about who can wear it.

Ribbon bar For everyday uniform wear

Just the ribbons, mounted in order of precedence on a small bar. Ribbon bars are worn on uniform day to day, when full medals would be impractical.

Unmounted Medal and ribbon supplied separately

The medal and ribbon come as separate parts, ready for you or your mounter to assemble. Full size medals come with 30cm of ribbon and miniatures with 15cm.

Full size or miniature?

Miniatures are mounted the same way at a smaller scale. They're worn at evening and formal events, generally anything after 6pm such as dinners, where full size medals would be impractical.

Pin or magnetic?

Every style comes with a traditional pin or a magnetic fitting. Magnetic mounts hold firmly without putting holes in your jacket or uniform, and are easier to put on and take off, which helps anyone with limited dexterity.