Public Law 119-73 (01/23/2026)

10 U.S.C. § 9279

Distinguished flying cross: award; limitations

(a)
The President may award a distinguished flying cross of appropriate design with accompanying ribbon to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Air Force or Space Force, distinguishes himself by heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial or space flight.
(b)
Not more than one distinguished flying cross may be awarded to a person. However, for each succeeding act that would otherwise justify the award of such a cross, the President may award a suitable bar or other device to be worn as he directs.

Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 104170A Stat. 541Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, § 806(b)(11)132 Stat. 1833Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title V, § 582(b)(4)133 Stat. 1412Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title V, § 521(k)(1)138 Stat. 1882(, , § 8749; renumbered § 9279, , , ; , , ; , , .)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section

Source (U.S. Code)

Source (Statutes at Large)

8749(a)

8749(b)

8749(c)

10:1429 (less 2d and last sentences).

10:1429 (2d sentence).

10:1429 (last sentence, less 1st 49 words).

July 2, 1926, ch. 721, § 12 (less 1st 49 words of last sentence), 44 Stat. 789; July 30, 1937, ch. 545, § 4, 50 Stat. 549.

In subsection (a), the words “under such rules and regulations as he may prescribe” are omitted, since the President has inherent authority to issue regulations appropriate to exercising his functions. The words “but not in the name of Congress” are omitted as surplusage, since a medal is presented in the name of Congress only if the law so directs. The word “award” is substituted for the word “present” to cover the determination of the recipients as well as the actual presentation of the medal. The words “since the 6th day of April, 1917, has distinguished, or who, after ” and 10:1429 (proviso of 1st sentence) are omitted as executed.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

Pub. L. 118–1592024—Subsec. (a). inserted “or Space Force” after “Air Force” and “or space” after “aerial”.

Pub. L. 116–922019—Subsec. (c). struck out subsec. (c) which read as follows: “No distinguished flying cross, or device in place thereof, may be awarded or presented to a person whose service after he distinguished himself has not been honorable.”

Pub. L. 115–232section 8749 of this title2018— renumbered as this section.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Pub. L. 115–232section 800 of Pub. L. 115–232section 3001 of this titleAmendment by effective , with provision for the coordination of amendments and special rule for certain redesignations, see , set out as a note preceding .