Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)

The Distinguished Flying Cross is a military decoration awarded to any officer or enlisted member of the United States Armed Forces who distinguishes themself in support of operations by "heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight."

The act or acts of heroism or extraordinary achievement must be performed while participating in aerial flight. It is generally awarded for single acts of heroism or achievement of a less exceptional nature than those which would justify the award of the Air Force Cross (or its equivalent in other services).

The Distinguished Flying Cross was authorized by Act of Congress on July 2, 1926, and made retroactive to April 6, 1917. It was initially awarded to officers and enlisted members of the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Air Corps. With the establishment of the U.S. Air Force as a separate service in 1947, the Distinguished Flying Cross became available to Air Force personnel. It is also awarded to members of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard for qualifying acts of aerial heroism or achievement.

The award is typically presented with a medal and a citation describing the recipient's actions. Subsequent awards of the Distinguished Flying Cross are denoted by oak leaf clusters for members of the Army and Air Force, and by award stars for members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

The level of heroism or achievement required for the Distinguished Flying Cross falls below that required for the Air Force Cross, Navy Cross, or Coast Guard Cross, but above that required for the Air Medal.

It is considered a high-level military decoration within the United States military awards system.