US Code

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

10 U.S.C. § 9280

Airman’s Medal: award; limitations

(a)
(1)
The President may award a decoration called the “Airman’s Medal”, 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 not involving actual conflict with an enemy.
(2)
section 101(d) of this title The authority in paragraph (1) includes authority to award the medal to a member of the Ready Reserve who was not in a duty status defined in when the member distinguished himself by heroism.
(b)
Not more than one Airman’s Medal may be awarded to a person. However, for each succeeding act that would otherwise justify the award of such a medal, the President may award a suitable bar or other device to be worn as he directs.

Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 104170A Stat. 542Pub. L. 86–593, § 1(6)74 Stat. 332Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title V, § 574(c)111 Stat. 1758Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, § 806(b)(11)132 Stat. 1833Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title V, § 521(k)(2)138 Stat. 1882(, , § 8750; , , ; , , ; renumbered § 9280, , , ; , , .)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised section

Source (U.S. Code)

Source (Statutes at Large)

8750(a)

10:1428 (less last sentence).

July 2, 1926, ch. 721, § 11, 44 Stat. 789.

8750(b)

10:1428 (last sentence).

section 1 of title 1The 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 “a decoration called” are substituted for the words “a medal to be known as”. The words “including the National Guard and the Organized Reserves” are omitted as surplusage. The words “or herself” are omitted, since, under , words importing the masculine gender include the feminine. The words “after ” are omitted as executed.

In subsection (b), the words “that would otherwise justify” are substituted for the words “sufficient to”.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

Pub. L. 118–1592024—Subsec. (a)(1). inserted “or Space Force” after “Air Force”.

Pub. L. 115–232section 8750 of this title2018— renumbered as this section.

Pub. L. 105–851997—Subsec. (a). designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

Pub. L. 86–5931960— substituted “Airman’s Medal” for “Soldier’s Medal” in section catchline and wherever appearing in text.

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 .