Service: Air Force
Instituted: 1957
Criteria: Awarded to Air Force units for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy.
Devices: Bronze, silver oak leaf cluster
Notes: Original designation: Distinguished Unit Citation. Redesigned to present name in 1957
Air Force Presidential Unit Citation History
Established on February 26, 1942 as the “Distinguished Unit Badge” or the “Distinguished Unit Citation” during World War II, the award was redesigned as the Presidential Unit Citation in 1965. The Air Force Presidential Unit Citation award is a ribbon award only and was worn on the right chest of AAF personnel during WWII. It is awarded to Army and Air Force units that display the same degree of heroism in combat as would warrant the Distinguished Service Cross for an individual. The gold frame around the military ribbon was a larger size for AAF personnel then the one used by USAF with the open end of the “V” patter pointing upward. Awarded to members of the cited organization; may be worn permanently by members assigned to the unit for the period for which it was awarded. Current members of the unit who were not assigned to the unit for the award period are not entitled to wear the ribbon. Only those personnel who were members of the unit for the award period are authorized to wear the award.
Visit Medals of America for your Air Force Presidential Unit Citation as well as other Air Force Ribbons. We also carry a large selection of Air Force Caps, Air Force T-Shirts and Air Force Badges.
