Awards and decorations of the Civil Air Patrol

Awards and decorations of the Civil Air Patrol are decorations issued by the Civil Air Patrol of the United States of America for a variety of accomplishment. Such awards are considered civilian decorations and generally speaking may only be worn and displayed on a uniform of the Civil Air Patrol. An exception to this rule applies to incoming AFROTC and JROTC cadets who have also participated in CAP. These cadets are allowed to wear the highest CAP cadet achievement/award ribbon that they earned on their uniform.

Cadet awards

Silver Medal of Valor

Ribbon for the Silver Medal of Valor

The Silver Medal of Valor is the highest decoration that may be awarded to a member of the Civil Air Patrol, the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force.

According to 39-1, Section B, Chapter 9a, the Silver Medal of Valor is awarded to an active Civil Air Patrol member for "distinguished and conspicuous heroic action, at the risk of life, above and beyond the call of normal duty". The presentation of this decoration is authorized by CAP's National Executive Committee.

The Silver Medal of Valor award package includes the medal, a mini-medal for the mess dress uniform, and the ribbon.

Bronze Medal of Valor

Civil Air Patrol GM-45, July 17 1942 - National Headquarters, Civil Air Patrol, Office of Civilian Defense (Washington), established CAP first recognizable award for heroism. It was to be known as the Merit Awards, i.e. red, white and blue, cloth emblems authorized for individuals on special orders of the National Commander, will be of triangular in design and will be worn point down above the left pocket of the shirt or blouse. The Blue Merit Award was awarded for exceptional performance of specific mission, or acts of heroism, under unusually difficult or hazardous conditions.

As CAP prominence and stature was changed with first the transferred to the War Department , then to the US Army Air Force , this awards practice continued. Until CAP News Bulletin, Vol. IV, No. 25 - 24 August 1945. Which announced that with the cooperation of the Heraldic Division of the Office of the Quartermaster General, a number of new awards have been designed. One of which was the three grades of merit citations, awarded by National Headquarters for unusually outstanding services or acts of heroism, have been designed to replace the triangular emblems now authorized.

It wasn’t until the publishing and distribution of CAP Manual Volume 1, Book 1, 1 August 1949. That one had a true picture of the replacement awards. One should note that for several years prior to the issuance of this manual there were very few insignia regulations published. Research has failed to locate any which apply to both cadet and senior insignia. The consequence is that the exact dates of authorization of various insignias items is unknown. Its is known that since photographs contained in the manual show members wearing these awards, one can only surmise there are some.

The Red, White, and Blue Merit awards were now replaced by the Meritorious, Exceptional, and Distinguished Services Award respectively. The Distinguished Service Award was still given for acts of heroism and exceptional service in a duty of great responsibility.

The subject of a specific medal so dedicated for valor or honor was discussed many time over the years, moreover many members requested or submitted, letters, drawings and designs that actions be taken about this concept. At the CAP National Executive Board meeting of 1-2 September 1955, Colonel Freeman. stated that in awarding the three class of awards in CAP there was not a sufficient line of distinction between recognition of outstanding administrative work and cases of actual heroism: and the Board should consider a medal of valor to be given to those members who perform an act of heroism as distinguished from a deed of outstanding administrative work.

The minutes of the National Executive Board 19-20 January 1956, This was again a subject of much discussion Colonel Freeman made a passionate and eloquent speech, and suggested that this medal be called “The Medal of Valor”.. The Motion was made, seconded and unanimously carried by the Board that a Medal of Valor be established as top decoration in CAP.: the design and the medal be readily distinguishable from the present CAP awards: and the authorization for the award (once ribbon and medal are produce) would be the responsibility of the National Executive Board.

The question arose as whether the recommendations for this medal be retroactive. The National Commander (MGEN Walter R. Agee ) advised that it could be, but the final action would have to be taken by the NEB prior to their issuance.

Major General Walter R. Agee, CAP’s National Commander so directed his staff to ask the U.S. Army, Office of the Quartermaster General to design a special award for CAP Valor. On 2 July 1956 an official letter was forward by CAP National Headquarters, The Office of the Quartermaster General gave it an action number of QMGRD-H 421.4, Civil Air Patrol Medal of Valor. Further correspondence and phone call between both CAP and US Army offices did occur. And was so order that a design be submitted to Civil Air Patrol no later than 1 November 1956.

Minutes, National Executive Board 5-6 February 1957. Selection of the Design for the Medal of Valor. Upon a motion by Colonel Whelen , seconded by Colonel Rushing , unanimously passed by the Board, the following resolution was adopted: RESOLVED by the National Executive Board of Civil Air Patrol that design number 2 (as presented by the Heraldic Branch) for the medal and design number 6 (as presented by the Heraldic Branch) for the ribbon are selected for the Medal of Valor.

The selected and approve designs by CAP and the NEB were re-submitted to the United States Army, Office of the Quartermaster General to be presented for review by the Commission of Fine Arts. They approve of the Medal and ribbon design.

CAP Regulation 35-4, 1 March 1957 7. Medal of Valor. The Medal of valor was established as the highest Civil Air Patrol decoration by the National Executive Board. It is awarded to any person who, while serving as a member of Civil Air Patrol, distinguishes himself conspicuously by gallantry and heroic action, at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of normal duty. It must be conclusively established the bravery or self-sacrifice involve conspicuous risk of life and the omission of valiant act could not cause censure.

Minutes, National Executive Board, 9 May 1957. Medal of Valor. The NEB unanimously approved the purchase of 12 medals at an approximate cost of $40.00 each. The National Commander (MGEN Agee) was authorized to establish criteria for the awarding of the medal. The awarding of the medal will by the National Executive Board upon recommendation of the National Commander, and each case will be handled separately.

Minutes, National Board-National Executive Board, 22 April 1960. The following resolution was unanimously approved: The present Medal of Valor is changed to two types: the “Silver Medal of Valor”, to recognize acts of heroism for which the present Medal of Valor is now awarded; and, the “Bronze Medal of Valor, to recognize act of heroism which do not meet the criteria for the award of the “Silver Medal of Valor”. It was decided as a cost saving approach, that CAP rename the present Medal of Valor and casting it in a silver color with the accompanying ribbon having the addition of three silver stars. The second type of action could be the awarded using the present Medal of Valor, and so renaming it to the “Bronze Medal of Valor”, with accompanying ribbon without stars.. It was noted that Silver stars are readily available for purchase at a small price. The Colorado Wing Commander Col. Charles F. Howard, suggested, and was approved, that the Distinguished, Exceptional and Meritorious Service Awards will no longer be awarded for acts of heroism. (AUTHORITY: p. 11, NEB Minutes, 22-23 April 1960.)

Civil Air Patrol Regulations 39-3, 15 August 1960. 9. Criteria for Awarding Decorations. The following is the minimum criteria established for the consideration of acts of service for CAP decorations. (AUTHORITY: p. 11, NEB Minutes, 22-23 April 1960.) a. Silver Medal of Valor. Distinguished and conspicuous gallantry and heroic action, at the risk of life, above and beyond the call of normal duty. b. Bronze Medal of Valor. Distinguished and conspicuous gallantry and heroic action, where danger to self is probable and known.

Historical Facts and Firsts: • The first “Medal of Valor “ was presented to: Cadet John C. Barton C48-5528, Lake Charles Louisiana Cadet Squadron. for heroic actions on 19 April 1957. A certificate and Medal of Valor was presented to Mrs. Ernest Barton, Cadet Bartons Mother. Cadet Barton was not present at this presentation due to weather conditions: however, he did appear later in the program and was congratulated by the Commander, Continental Air Command Lt. General William E. Hall ; National Commander, Brig General Stephen D. McElroy , the National Executive Board Chairman Colonel D. Harold Byrd, CAP at the 1-2 November 1959 National Executive Board meeting held at Ellington AFB, Texas. (AUTHORITY: p. 13, NEB Minutes, 1-2 November 1959.)

• The first “Silver Medal of Valor” was approved for: Staff Sergeant Charles T. Foster, SN 10002348,, Lynchburg Composite Squadron, Virginia Wing, for heroic actions on the 2 July 1957. This action was carried. by the 22-27 April 1960 meeting of the NEB. This was accomplished after the name and criteria was changed by Board actions and so approved at the same 22-27 April 1960, National Board & National Executive Board meeting held at Rice Hotel, Houston and Ellington AFB, Texas. (AUTHORITY: p. 9, , Item 8, NB & NEB Agenda, 22-27 April 1960.)

Current National Headquarters Records indicate: • The first “Silver Medal of Valor” was presented to: Cadet Ronald Baecher, Florida Wing on NHQ PA# 68, 20 December 1962, for heroic actions on 6 May 1962.

• The first female to received the “Silver Medal of Valor” is SM Dorothy A. Kelly, New Hampshire Wing on NHQ PA# 5, 11 May 1977, for heroic actions on 27 March 1977.

• The only individual to have received two “Silver Medals of Valor” is: 1. 1LT Gerald W. Alsum, Colorado Wing on NHQ PA# 4, 20 January 1979, for heroic actions on 5 December 1979. 2. CPT Gerald W. Alsum, Colorado Wing on NHQ PA# 12, 22 April 1982, for heroic actions on 2 January 1982.

• The first member of the National Board to have received the “Silver Medal of Valor” Brigadier General Richard L. Anderson, received the “Silver Medal of Valor” as a LTC assigned to Arkansas Wing on NHQ PA# 8, 14 March 1983 for heroic actions on 21 January 1983.

As of the March 1992 by National HQ records there have been a total of 92 presentation to 91 individuals, 5 of which are females, who as members of Civil Air Patrols received its highest decoration the “Silver Medal of Valor” for “uncommon valor”. A truly magnificent feat. There may be that many additional members, who by performing unselfish acts of heroism and displayed courage, quietly and without fanfare or calling attention for recognition of their actions, was never reported, and may have been overlooked.

Side-bar: Because of the approval of the original designed “Medal of Valor” by the Fire Arts Commission Washington DC. To distinguished the difference between the Silver and Bronze Medals, it was necessary to add three Silver Stars to the “Silver Medal of Valor’ Medal and Ribbon.

Distinguished Service Medal

Members of the Civil Air Patrol, the United States Air Force Auxiliary, may nominate deserving Cadets or Senior Members for various awards. The Distinguished Service Medal is the highest of those given to recognize service or unselfish acts. The award must be approved by the Wing and Region Commanders.

From CAP Regulation 39-3 (2 July 1998 revision):

Conspicuous performance of outstanding service in a duty of great responsibility where the position held and results obtained reflect upon the accomplishments and prestige of CAP on a national scale. Recognition should be for an extremely difficult duty of marked national significance which is performed in a clearly outstanding manner or service which clearly aided CAP in furthering national polices.

Exceptional Service Award

Members of the Civil Air Patrol, the United States Air Force Auxiliary, may nominate deserving Cadets or Senior Members for various awards. The Exceptional Service Award is in the middle of those given to recognize service or unselfish acts. The award must be approved by the Wing and Region Commanders.

From CAP Regulation 39-3 (2 July 1998 revision):

Exceptionally outstanding service to CAP in a duty of great responsibility while serving in any capacity with CAP. However, the duty should carry the ultimate responsibility for the successful operation of a region, wing, or major project within the region or wing. The discharge of such duty must involve the acceptance and fulfillment of the obligation so as to greatly benefit the wing or region and CAP.

Meritorious Service Award

The Meritorious Service Award is an award given to recognize service or unselfish acts by members of the Civil Air Patrol. The United States Air Force Auxiliary, may nominate deserving Cadets or Senior Members and the award must be approved by the Wing and Region Commanders.

From CAP Regulation 39-3 (2 July 1998 revision):

Outstanding achievement or meritorious service rendered specifically on behalf of CAP. Superior performance of normal duties does not, in itself, constitute automatic justification for the Meritorious Service Award. Awards should be restricted to the recognition of achievements and services which are clearly outstanding and unmistakably exceptional when compared to similar achievements and accomplishments of personnel of like rank and responsibilities. In instances where many individuals are affiliated with an exceptionally successful program, project, or mission, the Meritorious Service Award should be awarded to the relatively few individuals whose contributions clearly stand out from the others and who have contributed most to the success of the program.

Commander's Commendation Award

Commander's Commendation Award is an award of the Civil Air Patrol of the United States Air Force Auxiliary. Members may nominate deserving Cadets or Senior Members for various awards. The Commander's Commendation is the lowest of the awards given to recognize service or unselfish acts. The award must be approved by the Wing (state) Commander.

Outstanding duty performance where achievements and services are clearly and unmistakably exceptional when compared to similar achievements and service of members of like rank and responsibility. In instances where several members are affiliated with an exceptionally successful program, project or mission, the Commander’s Commendation Award will be awarded only to those who clearly stand out from the others and who contributed most to the success of the program. A silver star is added to denote a Commanders' Commendation given by the Civil Air Patrol National Commander. The Exceptional Service Award and the Meritorious Service Award differ from the Commanders’ Commendation Award in that they recognize achievements and services significantly above and beyond normal duty performance.

From CAP Regulation 39-3 (2 July 1998 revision)

Certificate of Recognition for Lifesaving

The "Certificate of Recognition for Lifesaving" is awarded to members who save a human life, but do not meet the criteria for the Bronze or Silver Medal of Valor. A Silver Star denotes a Lifesaving ribbon given to someone who would not ordinarily save lives at their job. Examples of this include : Doctors, Nurses, EMT's, Lifeguards.

Unit Citation Award

Exceptionally meritorious service or exceptionally outstanding achievement which clearly sets the unit above and apart from similar units:

(1) Recognition of meritorious service should cover a period of at least 12 months in order to permit the recommending authority to consider simultaneously units with related missions, compare all the units within their wing or region, and select the truly outstanding unit meriting the award.

(2) Recognition of outstanding achievements intended to recognize a single specific act or notable accomplishment that is separate and distinct from the normal mission or regular function of the unit. The period of an outstanding achievement is normally short and characterized by definite beginning and ending dates.

CAPR 39-3, revised 2 July 98

General Carl A. Spaatz Award

[[Image:Spaatz.gif|right|] The General Carl A. Spaatz Award (sometimes referred to as the Spaatz Award) is the highest award in the United States Civil Air Patrol cadet program.

According to CAPR 39-3, Section C, Chapter 14k, the General Carl A. Spaatz Award may be awarded to cadets who "successfully complete all phases of the CAP cadet program and the General Carl A. Spaatz Award examination". The award was named after General Carl Spaatz, who was the first Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force.

The Spaatz Award is arguably the most difficult honor to earn in the CAP cadet program. Only .05% of CAP cadets ever earn the Spaatz award.

The Spaatz Award comes with a promotion to Cadet Colonel (C/Col), the highest grade obtainable in the cadet program. Upon reaching the age of 21 Cadet Colonels are appointed to the grade of Captain (O-3) in the Civil Air Patrol. Cadet Colonels who voluntarily transfer to the Officer program between the ages of 18 and 21 receive the grade Senior Flight Officer.

External links

• Official site
• Spaatz Association web site

General Ira C. Eaker Award

Awarded by National Headquarters to denote the level of achievement in the CAP cadet program.

For successfully completing the specific requirements in the Phase IV of the cadet program. This award is certified and awarded only by National Headquarters.

CAPR 39-3, revised 1 July 98

Amelia Earhart Award

The Amelia Earhart Award is an award of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) in honour of Amelia Earhart.

Awarded and certified by the National Headquarters to denote the level of achievement in the CAP cadet program, requiring the successful completion of the specific requirements in Phase III of this program.

CAPR 39-3, revised 1 July 98

External links

• Civil Air Patrol award page

Billy Mitchell Award

The General Billy Mitchell Award of the Civil Air Patrol is earned by cadets who have successfully completed the enlisted phase of the cadet program. Mitchell Cadets become Cadet Second Lieutenants upon receipt and, by extension, Cadet Officers.

In order to earn this award, cadets must pass a series of leadership, aerospace and physical fitness tests and attend moral leadership training for each achievement from Cadet Airman Basic through Cadet Chief Master Sergeant. In addition, cadets must attend a military-style encampment before this award is made, and have maintained active membership in the Civil Air Patrol for at least 18 months since joining. 15% of Civil Air Patrol cadets achieve the Mitchell Award.

Mitchell Cadets who chose to enlist in the United States Air Force are promoted to E-3 (Airman First Class) upon enlistment and completion of Basic Military Training (BMT), instead of E-1 (Airman Basic). Mitchell Cadets who enlist in the Marine Corps, Navy, or Army are promoted to E-2 upon completion of BMT. The Mitchell Award may also be revoked at any point (even after the recipient is no longer a cadet) if the recipient does something to disgrace the award.

A silver star is worn on the ribbon to denote successful completion of Cadet Officer School.

External links

• Official site

Neil Armstrong Achievement

The Neil Armstrong Achievement Ribbon is an achievement award presented by the Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters to acknowledge successfully completing the specific requirements of Achievement 8 in Phase II of the cadet program.

Dr. Robert H. Goddard Achievement

The Dr. Robert H. Goddard Achievement award is awarded to denote the level of achievement in the Civil Air Patrol cadet program.

For successfully completing the specific requirements of Achievement 7 in Phase II of the cadet program. NOTE: A silver star worn on the ribbon denotes successful completion of the Model Rocketry Badge requirements CAPR 39-3, revised 1 July 98

General Jimmy Doolittle Achievement

Awarded by National Headquarters to denote the level of achievement in the CAP cadet program for successfully completing the specific requirements of Achievement 6 in Phase II of the cadet program.

CAPR 39-3, revised 1 July 98

Charles A. Lindbergh Achievement

The Charles A. Lindbergh Achievement is awarded by the National Headquarters to denote the level of achievement in the Civil Air Patrol cadet program.

For successfully completing the specific requirements of Achievement 5 in Phase II of the cadet program.

Captain Eddie Rickenbacker Achievement

For completion of the 4th Achievement in Phase II of the CAP Cadet Program (Cadet Technical Sergeant [C/TSgt])

Wright Brothers Award

The Wright Brothers Award is the first award of the Civil Air Patrol cadet program, and is synonymous with the grade of Cadet Staff Sergeant, abbreviated as C/SSgt or, prior to the addition of the Mary Feik Achievement in April 2003, the grade of Cadet Senior Airman (C/SrA).

Mary Feik Achievement

Mary Feik Achievement - Civil Air Patrol Awarded by National Headquarters to denote the level of achievement in the CAP cadet program. For successfully completing the specific requirements of Achievement 3 in Phase I of the cadet program. (Senior airman)

CAPR 39-3, (Pending revision)

General H. H. "Hap" Arnold Achievement

For completion of Achievement Two of the CAP Cadet Program. To earn this award the cadet must pass a written test on Leadership: 2000 and Beyond Chapter Two, a written test on one of the Aerospace Dimensions modules, pass a Cadet Physical Fitness Test (CPFT), attend at least one Moral Leadership class since their last promotion, and fulfill a minimum Time-in Grade of two months.

General J. F. Curry Achievement

Awarded by National Headquarters to denote the level of achievement in the CAP cadet program.

For successfully completing the specific requirements of Achievement 1 in Phase I of the cadet program. You must successfully complete the Physical Training test, leadership chapter 1, and have participated in at least 1 moral leadership class.

CAPR 39-3, revised 1 July 98

Air Force Association Award to Unit Cadet of the Year

The "Air Force Association Award to Outstanding CAP Cadets". An annual award established by the Air Force Association (AFA) to recognize the outstanding CAP cadet in each squadron.

Air Force Sergeants Association Award to Unit Cadet NCO of the Year

The "Air Force Sergeants Association Award to Outstanding CAP Cadet Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. An annual award established by the Air Force Sergeants Association to recognize the outstanding CAP cadet NCO in each squadron.

Red Service Ribbon

The Red Service Ribbon is given to any member of the Civil Air Patrol who has been a member of the program for two years (as a cadet or senior member in good standing.) In addition, the following devices are awarded for additional years of service.

(1) First Bronze Clasp. Awarded at the end of 3 additional years (total of 5 years).

(2) Additional Bronze Clasps. One additional bronze clasp will be awarded for each additional 5 years of service. A maximum of three bronze clasps (denoting 15 years of service) will be worn.

(3) Longevity Device. A metal number, denoting years of service, awarded at the end of 20 years and in increments of 5 years thereafter. The longevity device is worn centered on the red service ribbon and the bronze clasps are no longer worn.

Rescue "Find" Ribbon

Awarded by the wing commander (or a subordinate commander if authority is delegated by the wing commander) to any CAP member of the wing making a find (distress or nondistress) on a search and rescue mission. A “distress find” is defined as one involving downed aircraft or persons in distress. Normally, a definite search objective must have been assigned, located, and positively identified. All other finds will be classified as “nondistress,” e.g., location of nondistress emergency locator transmitters (ELTs). The basic ribbon is awarded for a first find (distress or nondistress). A bronze clasp is awarded for each additional distress find or for each additional 20 nondistress finds. Both aircrew and ground team members may receive credit for finds. Also, if desired, the Search “Find’ Ribbon may be painted on the aircraft in which the find was made.

(1) Finds for the United States Coast Guard (USCG) or the USCG Auxiliary. Exceptions to the above criteria may be made for finds accomplished during missions conducted in concert with the USCG or USCG Auxiliary. The bulk, of this joint effort consists of CAP flying patrol missions commonly referred to as “sundown patrol.” When a CAP member or crew locates a boat or persons in distress and is instrumental in their discovery, credit for a distress find may be granted and a “find” ribbon awarded, provided the effort is classified as an “assist” by the USCG.

(2) Finds by Aircrew Members. In case of a search and rescue find by aircraft, a ribbon will be awarded to all crew members. This applies to both “find and rescue” operations and “find and report” operations. For example, when the search objective is sighted, rescue by aircraft may be impossible so the crew reports the find by relaying the information to an official ground station. A bronze three-bladed propeller device will be worn centered on the Search “Find” Ribbon earned as aircrew members.

(3) Finds by Ground Personnel. If the find is made by search and rescue ground teams, the ribbon will be awarded to all members of the team which locates the objective. Ground personnel will wear the Search “Find” Ribbon without the propeller clasp.

(4) Combined Participation. A member who earns the Search “Find” Ribbon as an aircrew member is identified as an aircrew member by having the bronze propeller attached to the ribbon. If the same individuals earn a clasp as a ground member who makes a find, they are authorized to attach the clasp to the same ribbon with the bronze propeller. This also applies to the individual who initially earns the Search “Find” Ribbon as a member of a ground search party and at some later date makes a find as an aircrew member. The member is then authorized to attach the bronze propeller to the ribbon.

Air Search and Rescue Ribbon

Awarded to members who participate actively in at least 10 search and rescue sorties. A bronze clasp is awarded for each additional 10 sorties. All sorties must be in support of an actual search and rescue mission authorized by competent authority.

(1) Aircrew Members. A bronze threebladed propeller device will be worn centered on Air Search and Rescue Ribbons earned as aircrew members. Credit will be given for participation in flights as either pilot or observer.

(2) Ground Personnel. Credit given will be computed on the basis of time spent on a mission and the nature of the duties performed.

(a) Ground personnel performing hazardous duties such as ground rescue or ground search, may be credited with one sortie for each 4 hours of actual participation, but not to exceed three sorties in any 24-hour period.

(b) Ground personnel performing non-hazardous duties, such as base support or staff functions, may be credited with one sortie for each 8 hours of participation, but not to exceed two sorties for any 24-hour period.

(3) Combined Participation. A member who earns the Air Search and Rescue Ribbon as an aircrew member is identified as an aircrew member by having the bronze propeller attached to the ribbon. If the same individuals earn clasps as a ground member of searches or missions, they are authorized to attach the clasps to the same ribbon with the bronze propeller. This applies also to the individual who initially earned the Air Search and Rescue Ribbon as a member of a ground search party and at some later date participates in enough searches as an aircrew member; the member is then authorized to attach the bronze propeller to the ribbon. The first clasp, when awarded to a member with a bronze propeller already on their ribbon, is placed in the middle of the wearer’s left-hand side on the ribbon between the edge and the propeller; the second, on the opposite side in the same position. Additional clasps are placed so that the ribbon will have a balanced appearance until a silver clasp replaces five bronze clasps.

Disaster Relief Ribbon

Awarded for participation in five actual/evaluated disaster relief missions AND completion of two designated disater relief training courses, or one such course and an additional 40 hours of disaster relief training or operations.
Or the Disaster Relief Ribbon may be awarded to any CAP member who participates as a CAP memeber in a disaster relief effort for a Presidential declared disaster. Participation must be verified by the on-scene commander. Participation in any Presidential declared disaster since 1990 qualifies. Members earning the ribbon for such participation qualify for wear of the “V” device on the ribbon.

Community Service Award

The Cadet Community Service Ribbon is awarded to cadets who complete 60 hours of community service. The community service is done outside of Civil Air Patrol, and is verified by somebody other than the cadet.

International Air Cadet Exchange Ribbon

Awarded to cadets and senior member escorts participating in the International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE) outside the continental limits of the United States. IACE is a program open to Cadets 17 or older who have earned the Earhart Award (Cadet Captains and above) to visit participating foreign countries.

International Air Cadet Exchange

National Drill Competition Ribbon

The National Drill Competition Ribbon is awarded to all cadets that win a wing competition, additional clasps are awarded for winning Regional and National competitions

National Cadet Color Guard Competition Ribbon

Awarded to cadets for participation as a team member in the National Color Guard Competition. The basic ribbon will be worn by the winner of the wing competition and/or cadets selected to represent the wing at a region competition. A bronze star will be affixed for the winners of the region competition, and a silver star will be worn by the sweepstakes winner of the national competition. Repetitive awards may be recognized by wearing additional stars in the appropriate competition level.

Cadet Advisory Council Service Ribbon

The Cadet Advisory Council Ribbon is awarded to the primary members of an advisory council. The shoulder cord is worn while that member is the primary representative, while the ribbon continues to be worn even after the cadet is no longer on the CAC.

• GROUP LEVEL: The basic ribbon with no attachments and worn with a green shoulder cord.
• WING LEVEL: The ribbon would have a bronze star attachment and worn with the red cord.
• REGION LEVEL: The ribbon would have a silver star and would be worn with a blue shoulder cord.
• NATIONAL LEVEL: The ribbon would have a gold star attached along with a gold shoulder cord.

Cadet Special Activities Ribbon

Awarded to cadets and senior members who participate in the national cadet special activities listed below. Senior member participants must be identified by the Civil Air Patrol project officer and approved by the member’s region commander. Each subsequent activity is represented by a bronze star affixed to the basic ribbon. Cadets earning this ribbon may continue to wear the ribbon as a senior member.

Qualifying activities include: Air Education and Training Command Familiarization Course, Pararescue Orientation Course, Advanced Pararescue Course, Air Force Space Command Familiarization Course, Air Force Computer Orientation Program (no longer offered – must have attended prior to 1995), Blue Beret Activity, Senator Jennings Randolph Soaring School, USAF sponsored Chapel Leadership Conference, Hawk Mountain Ranger School, National Flight Academy – Power Track, National Flight Academy – Glider Track, National GSAR School, Space Camp/Aviation Challenge, Jacksonville University/Comair Academy, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Orientation Course

Encampment Ribbon

The Encampment Ribbon is awarded to all cadets who complete a Civil Air Patrol Encampment successfully. It is also awarded to cadet staff members and senior members who provide leadership for the encampment. Multiple encampments are symbolized with bronze clasps, one per additional encampment and worn centered on the encampment ribbon. In Civil Air Patrol the Encampment is considered to be the program equivalent of basic training or boot camp. Most encampments last one week, and may take place on a military base.

Cadet Recruiter Ribbon

The Cadet Recruiter Ribbon is given to cadets who recruit two or more people into the Civil Air Patrol. For each additional two cadets recruited, a bronze clasp may be worn on the ribbon. Once a cadet earns five bronze clasps, they may be replaced with a silver clasp. Bronze clasps are no longer worn after a silver clasp is received. For every ten new cadets recruited after this, an additional silver clasp may be worn on the ribbon.

Officer awards

Silver Medal of Valor

See Silver Medal of Valor

Bronze Medal of Valor

See Bronze Medal of Valor

Distinguished Service Medal

See Distinguished Service Medal

Exceptional Service Award

See Exceptional Service Award

Meritorious Service Award

See Meritorious Service Award

Commander's Commendation Award

See Commander's Commendation Award

Certificate of Recognition for Lifesaving

See Certificate of Recognition for Lifesaving

National Commander's Unit Citation Award

See Unit Citation Award

Unit Citation Award

See Unit Citation Award

National Commander's Citation

The National Commander's Citation is to the Senior program what the Falcon was to the Cadet Program. After earning the Wilson, a member could complete Air War College (And some other requirements) and earn this award. The ribbon looks like the Wilson upside down, but after looking at the original ribbons you will understand the color pattern. Additional information can be found at http://www.dafab.us/CAPCode/CAPRibbons.htm

Gill Robb Wilson Award (Level V)

The Gill Robb Wilson Award is the fifth level of training offered to senior members, requiring three years' management experience, teaching experience and extensive training.

Paul E. Garber Award (Level IV)

The Paul E. Garber Award shows a member has received sufficient training and experience to be considered for promotion to lieutenant colonel.

Grover Loening Award (Level III)

The Grover Loening Award is given to senior members who have achieved sufficient training and experience to be considered for promotion to major.

Leadership Award (Specialty Training)

For obtaining a Technician Rating in the Senior Member Professional Development Program. A bronze star is awarded for a Senior Rating, and a silver star is awarded for a Master Rating

Membership Award (Level I)

A. Scott Crossfield Award

Brigadier General Chuck Yeager Award

An aerospace education award for Senior Members

Falcon Award

The Falcon Award, discontinued in 1979. It was the next achievement after the Spaatz Award. As Cadet Colonel is the highest authorized cadet rank, a Falcon Award recipent did not receive a promotion. Senior Members who earned the Falcon Award may wear it with their other ribbons. There were three ways to earn the Falcon: 1/ Become a senior member, 2/ Participate in the Advanced AFROTC program, 3/ be at the AF Academy.

Command Service Ribbon

Awarded to officers who have served at least 1 year continuous service as commander — squadron, group, wing, etc. The basic ribbon is awarded for service as a squadron commander. A bronze star is added to denote service as group commander, a silver star for wing commander, and a gold star for region commander service. Two gold stars will be used to denote service as National Commander. Only one level of command may be shown on the ribbon.

Red Service Ribbon

See Red Service Ribbon

Search "Find" Ribbon

See Air Search and Rescue Ribbon

Air Search and Rescue Ribbon

See Air Search and Rescue Ribbon

Counterdrug Ribbon

Awarded to officers for participation in 10 counterdrug sorties. A bronze clasp is awarded for each additional 10 sorties.

Disaster Relief Ribbon

See Disaster Relief Ribbon

Cadet Orientation Pilot Ribbon

Awarded to members who provide 50 cadet orientation flights. Each cadet receiving credit for the flight, may be counted toward the total of 50. A bronze clasp may be added for each additional 50 flights.

International Air Cadet Exchange Ribbon

See International Air Cadet Exchange Ribbon

National Drill Team Competition Ribbon

National Cadet Color Guard Competition Ribbon

Cadet Special Activities Ribbon

See Cadet Special Activities Ribbon

Encampment Ribbon

The Encampment Ribbon is awarded to all cadets who complete a Civil Air Patrol Encampment successfully. It is also awarded to cadet staff members and senior members who provide leadership for the encampment. In Civil Air Patrol the Encampment is considered to be the program equivalent of basic training or boot camp. Most encampments last one week, and may take place on a military base.

Senior Recruiter

The Officer Recruiter Ribbon is awarded to CAP Officers (Senior Members) who recruit seven new members to CAP. Additional bronze clasps may be awarded for recruiting an additional 10 members. Five bronze clasps will be replaced with a silver one, with an additional silver device for every fifty members recruited.

External links

• CAP's official web site
• CAPR 39-3.pdf – Award of CAP medals, ribbons and certificates
• Ribbon Bar creator as pointed to by CAP.GOV website
• Ribbon checker for Seniors
• Ribbon checker for Cadets