United States - Distinguished Flying Cross

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Instituted July 2, 1926, by President Calvin Coolidge, the Distinguished Flying Cross was awarded any person who distinguishes himself "by heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight" while serving in any capacity with the Air Corps. It is still being awarded. It is constructed out of a die struck bronze base that has been burnished and lacquered. The obverse features a four-bladed propeller, on top of a pattée style cross with rays coming out of its corners. The full back reverse is plain. To the top is an integral loop ring and rectangular bar to hold the blue, white and red ribbon. The reverse of the ribbon has a brass bar, marked: “Graco GI”, and has a pin, hinge and catch assembly. A modern example.