Air Force Cross
Awarded for exceptional valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying though not in active operations against the enemy
The Air Force Cross is a military decoration awarded to officers during WW 2 of the British Armed Forces, and of the other Commonwealth countries. Instituted in 1918 by King George V for Air Force officers for 'an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty performed whilst flying though not in active operations against the enemy'. This was altered in 1932 to the simpler 'for exceptional valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying though not in active operations against the enemy'.
A bar is added to the ribbon for holders who are awarded a further Air Force Cross.
Since 1983, the Air Force Cross is no longer awarded in Australia but is still awarded in the UK and now attributable to all ranks. Since 1918 some 444 have been awarded to Australians together with two first Bars. The Cross has been awarded to members of all three armed services and four to civilians.