History

The Air Force Commendation Medal was authorized by the Secretary of the Air Force on March 28, 1958. The Bronze Medal is awarded to American and other foreign military personnel of any service branch who served in any capacity with the United States Air Force. The Medal is awarded in recognition of noteworthy meritorious achievement, meritorious or distinguished service, acts of courage not involving the voluntary risk of personal life, and sustained meritorious performance of duty which does not merit the recognition of a higher award. In 1996, the criteria was expanded to include acts of combat valour. The award was made retroactive to acknowledge service since March 24, 1958.

Additional awards are denoted by bronze oak leaf emblems worn on the ribbon while a bronze "V" device is worn to denote an award made in recognition of acts of combat valour.

It is uncertain if the reverse is officially engraved with the recipient's details.