Two new medals recognize units

  • Published
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) --  Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche approved two new medals recognizing units for outstanding heroism in combat and for achievement or service in direct support of combat operations.

The Gallant Unit Citation and the Meritorious Unit Award can be awarded to Air Force active-duty, Reserve and Guard units for actions or service while directly supporting combat operations.

The Gallant Unit Citation is awarded to units for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy of the United States. The action must be while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force on or after Sept. 11, 2001.

This ribbon is worn immediately before the Joint Meritorious Unit Award. Subsequent awards will be denoted by oak leaf clusters.

"The unit must have performed with marked distinction under difficult and hazardous conditions in accomplishing its mission so as to set it apart from other units participating in the same conflict," said Tech. Sgt. Jeff Simmons, awards and decorations branch superintendent at the Air Force Personnel Center here. "The degree of heroism required is the same as that which would warrant award of the Silver Star which is awarded for gallantry and heroism of high degrees, including risk of life in action."

Meritorious Unit Awards are awarded to units for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding achievement or service directly supporting combat operations for at least 90 continuous days. The military operations must be against an armed enemy of the United States on or after Sept. 11, 2001.

"The degree of achievement required is the same as that which would warrant award of the Legion of Merit," Sergeant Simmons said. "Service in a combat zone is not required, but service must be directly related to the combat effort."

This ribbon is worn immediately before the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. Subsequent awards will be denoted by oak leaf clusters.

Both medals are currently in the design phase, which may take several months before they are ready for wear, AFPC officials said. (Courtesy of AFPC News Service)