Distinguished Flying Cross

SKU: 02.USA.0114.101.01

Estimated market value:

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  • Distinguished Flying Cross Obverse
  • Distinguished Flying Cross Obverse
  • Distinguished Flying Cross Reverse

Attributes

  • country
    United States
  • date of institution
    July 2, 1926
  • remarks
    The Cross was designed by Elizabeth Will and Arthur E. DuBois. The rank, regiment and actions of the recipient will influence the value of the decoration.

History


The Distinguished Flying Cross was established by President Calvin Coolidge by Act of Congress on July 2, 1926, and was made retroactive to reward service backdating to April 6, 1917. Before the Second World War, the Cross was awarded to aviation pioneers in recognition of breaking long distance, endurance, or altitude records. In 1927, the award criteria of the Cross was amended to be restricted to Officers and enlisted men of the Armed Forces who distinguished themselves by heroism or extraordinary achievement while in aerial flight. During wartime, members of the Armed Forces of friendly foreign Nations are also eligible for the award. A notable recipient of the Cross is Amelia Earhart, who was the only female civilian to be awarded the Cross.

Bronze or silver oak leaf emblems are worn on the ribbon of members of the Army and Airforce to denote additional awards, while gold and silver star emblems are worn on the ribbon of members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard to denote subsequent awards. When the Cross is awarded for acts of heroism, a Combat Distinguished Device (a bronze emblem in the shape of a "V") is worn on the ribbon of members of the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps.

There may be additional versions of the Cross which vary by composition.

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

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Versions

  • Price

    $40+ USD

  • Composition

    Bronze

  • Inscription

    Rev: [RECIPIENT DETAILS]

  • Size

    44mm

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

    The rank, regiment and actions of the recipient will influence the value of the decoration. Numbered versions of the Bronze Cross may be ...

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  • Price

    N/A

  • Composition

    Bronze

  • Inscription

    Rev: [engraved] S. SGT. / WILLIAM E. KELLEY JR. / A.C

  • Size

    44mm

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

    The rank, regiment and actions of the recipient will influence the value of the decoration.

  • View Item

Comments

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Tassie86 commented on Report | Click to reply above
Why are different 'additional award' devices used for different types of awards? Oak leaves, stars, "V" devices.. why not use one style throughout?
DavidB commented on Report | Click to reply above
You will find the most comprehensive description of US awards and their "Attachments and Appurtenances" in "Military Medals of the United States" by Colonel Frank Foster and Lawrence Borts. US medal design is controlled by the Institute of Heraldry (managed on behalf of all four services by the US Army) and the Commission of Fine Arts. Your question is a logical one, but the US award system allows for a wide variety of ribbon emblems to be worn on each award. The meaning of these varies and there can be emblems on a single ribbon denoting multiple awards, acts of valour or merit, or multiple tours of duty etc. British and Commonwealth awards only permit attachments that show one additional type of service; e.g. multiple awards, or same service in another location, or periods of additional long service, or service in a specific combat zone (Atlantic Medal). The relatively short length of ribbon on US awards limits space available and precludes the use of "Bars" common to British and Commonwealth awards. I have 'Court Mounted' numerous US awards on medal bars for New Zealand service personnel, both full-size and miniature, and it is a difficult job.

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