The Air Force Combat Action Medal takes its design from the aircraft of Air Force pioneer Brig. Gen. William "Billy" Mitchell. Created by Susan Gamble, an Air Force spouse and master designer for the U.S. Mint, the AFCAM is the first of its kind for the Air Force. It's the only U.S. medal to feature diagonal stripes and is awarded to Airmen who have been directly in harm's way, engaging enemy forces. The first medals were awarded to Airmen by Air Force Chief of Staff T. Michael Moseley June 12 at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski)