History

The Air Force Good Conduct Medal was authorized by Congress on July 6, 1960, but was not officially established until June 1, 1963, by the Secretary of the Air Force. The award was briefly discontinued on February 8, 2006, but was reinstated on February 11, 2009; with retroactive awards being authorized back to its discontinuation date. The Bronze Medal is awarded to enlisted Air Force personnel in recognition of 3 years of continuous active duty and exemplary conduct. The Medal may also be awarded for 1 year of service during war-time. To be eligible for the award, the recipient must demonstrate service that goes beyond merely staying out of trouble and show a positive attitude towards the Air Force and the job. Service cut short due to a physical disability or death incurred in action or as a result of combat is also eligible for recognition of the award.

Posthumous awards may be made to personnel who were killed in action or who died as a result of combat wounds.

Silver or bronze oak leaf emblems may be worn on the ribbon to denote additional awards of the Medal.

The Air Force Good Conduct Medal is similar in design to the Army Good Conduct Medal.