Distinguished Flying Cross
From 7th Cavalry Regiment Wiki
The Distinguished Flying Cross is a medal awarded to any officer or enlisted member of the 7th Cavalry who distinguishes himself or herself in support of operations by "heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight."
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Creation and History
The Distinguished Flying Cross was authorized by an Act of Congress of July 2, 1926, an act amended by Executive Order 7786 on January 8, 1938.
The first Distinguished Flying Cross was awarded to Charles Lindbergh (although Herbert Dargue is reported to have received the award two weeks before Lindbergh[citation needed]). The first Distinguished Flying Cross to be awarded to a Naval Aviator was received by then-Commander Richard E. Byrd, for his flight on May 9, 1926, to and from the North Pole. Both Lindbergh and Byrd also received the Medal of Honor for their feats.
Numerous military recipients of the medal would later earn greater fame in other occupations—several astronauts, actors and politicians (including former President George H. W. Bush) are Distinguished Flying Cross holders.Civilians who have received the award include Orville Wright, Wilbur Wright, Wiley Post, Jacqueline Cochran, Roscoe Turner, Amelia Earhart, and Eugene Ely
During wartime, members of the Armed Forces of friendly foreign nations serving with the United States are eligible for the Distinguished Flying Cross. It is also given to those who display heroism while working as instructors or students at flying schools.
Admiral Stan Arthur received 11 Distinguished Flying Crosses—the most earned by any person.
Ribbon
Medal
Awarding
The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded for Heroism during Flight Operations as the Pilot of a Helo or fixed wing aircraft.
Description
The Distinguished Flying Cross is a bronze cross pattee, with rays between the arms of the cross. On the obverse is a propeller of four blades, with one blade in each arm of the cross and in the re-entrant angles of the cross are rays which form a square. The cross is suspended by a rectangle-shaped bar and centered on this is a plain shield. The reverse is blank and suitable for engraving the recipient's name and rank.
The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 3/32 inch Ultramarine Blue 67118; 9/64 inch White 67101; 11/32 inch Ultramarine Blue 67118; 3/64 inch White 67101; center stripe 3/32 inch Old Glory Red 67156; 3/64 inch White 67101; 11/32 inch Ultramarine Blue 67118; 9/64 inch White 67101; 3/32 inch Ultramarine Blue 67118.
Subsequent awards of the Distinguished Flying Cross are indicated by oak leaf clusters, for Army and Air Force personnel, and by award stars for members of the Navy and Coast Guard.
Recipients
See Also
Awards and decorations of the 7th Cavalry
References
http://www.7thcavalry.us/index.php?app=uportal&code=16
http://www.gruntsmilitary.com/
