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 | Airman's Medal | This decoration, one of several Air Force awards established by Congress on July 6, 1960, takes the place of the Soldier's Medal for Air Force personnel. It is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States or of a friendly nation who, while serving in any capacity with the United States Air Force after the date of the award's authorization, shall have distinguished himself or herself by a heroic act, usually at the voluntary risk of his or her life but not involving actual combat. |
 | Meritorious Service Medal | This decoration was established by Executive Order 11448 on Jan. 16, 1969. The Meritorious Service Medal (pictured below) may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who distinguishes themselves by either outstanding achievement or meritorious service to the United States.
This award was established as the counterpart of the Bronze Star Medal for the recognition of meritorious noncombat service. |
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Air Medal |
This decoration, established by Executive Order 9158, 11 May 1942, as amended by Executive Order 9242, 11 September 1942 is awarded to U.S. and civilian personnel for single acts of heroism or meritorious achievments while participating in aerial flight and foreign military personnel in actual combat in support of operations. Required achievement is less than that required for the Distingushed Flying Cross, but must be accomplished with distinction above and beyond that expected of professional airmen. It is not awarded for peace time sustained operational activities and flights. Approval or disapproval authority is delegated to MAJCOM/CC/CV for military and Secretary of the Air Force for civilians and foreign military personnel. MAJCOMs will identify the missions and positions that qualify for this award. HQ USAF/XO must certify MAJCOM criteria.
We saw Jack and Sam awarded the Air Medal in the season 2 episode, 'Secrets' (209). However, Sam still isn't wearing her Air Medal when we see her promoted to Major in the season 3 episode, 'Fair Game' (303), or in Season 6's 'Smoke and Mirrors' (614).
However, in season 9, the Air Medal is present. |
 | Air Force Achievement Medal | This award was authorized by the Secretary of the Air Force on Oct. 20, 1980. It is awarded to Air Force personnel for outstanding achievement or meritorious service rendered specifically on behalf of the Air Force. It may also be awarded for acts of courage lesser than for award of the AFCM. |
 | Air Force Organizational Excellence Award | The Secretary of the Air Force authorized this award on Aug. 26, 1969. The Air Force Organizational Excellence award recognizes the achievements and accomplishments of U.S. Air Force organizations or activities. It is awarded to Air Force internal organizations that are entities within larger organizations. They are unique, unnumbered organizations or activities that perform functions normally performed by numbered wings, groups, squadrons, etc. |
 | National Defence Service Medal | This medal was authorized by Executive Order 10448, April 22, 1953, and amended by Executive Order 11256, Jan. 11, 1966. It is awarded for honorable active military service as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States including the Coast Guard, between June 27, 1950 and July 27, 1954, (Korean War Period), between Jan. 1, 1961 and Aug. 14, 1974, (Vietnam War Period), and 2 Aug 90 to 30 Nov 95 (Desert Shield/Storm Period). |
 | Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon | The Department of the Air Force General Order 60, Nov. 25, 1957 authorized this ribbon. It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Longevity Service Award is a ribbon that replaces the Federal Service Stripes previously worn on the uniform.
Bronze oak-leaf clusters are worn on the ribbon to indicate subsequent awards of the Air Force Longevity Service Award. |
 | Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon | This ribbon was authorized by the Secretary of the Air Force on Aug. 28, 1962. It is awarded to all U.S. Air Force service members who, after Jan. 1, 1963, qualify as "expert" in small-arms marksmanship with either the M-16 rifle or issue handgun. These rules will apply to the Air Force standard service small arms weapon selected. Qualifications as "expert" in both weapons after June 22, 1972, shall be denoted by a bronze service star worn on the ribbon. |
 | Air Force Training Ribbon | This ribbon was authorized by the Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force on Oct. 12, 1980. It is awarded to U.S. Air Force service members on completion of initial accession training after Aug. 14, 1974. |
