Air Force Cross (United States)
| Air Force Cross | |
|---|---|
| Type | Service cross medal |
| Awarded for | Extraordinary heroism in combat |
| Presented by | United States Department of the Air Force |
| Eligibility | United States Air Force airmen and United States Space Force guardians |
| Reverse | |
| Status | Currently awarded |
| Established | November 1, 1965, effective July 6, 1960 |
| First award | January 8, 1964 |
| Final award | December 10, 2020 |
| Total | 203 (as of 2026) |
| Total awarded posthumously | 50 |
| Total recipients | 198 (as of 2026) |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | Medal of Honor |
| Equivalent | Army: Distinguished Service Cross Naval Service: Navy Cross Coast Guard: Coast Guard Cross |
| Next (lower) | Department of Defense: Defense Distinguished Service Medal Department of Homeland Security: Homeland Security Distinguished Service Medal |
The Air Force Cross (AFC) is the United States Air Force (USAF) and U.S. Space Force's (USSF) second highest military decoration for airmen and guardians who distinguish themselves with extraordinary heroism in combat with an armed enemy force. The medal is awarded to any person, while serving in any capacity with the USAF or USSF, who distinguish themselves by heroism which is extraordinary but not sufficient for the award of a Medal of Honor.
The Air Force Cross is equivalent to the Distinguished Service Cross of the U.S. Army, the Navy Cross of the U.S. naval services, and the Coast Guard Cross of the U.S. Coast Guard; collectively, these awards known as the "service crosses".
Prior to July 6, 1960, members of the USAF were awarded Distinguished Service Cross.