AF Releases Criteria for Combat Action Medal

By: fedweek

The Air Force released color drawings of its new Combat Action Medal Jan. 29. The device, with gold and red ribbon colors, features an eagle. Officials had said earlier that qualification for the medal would require an Airman to be under direct and hostile fire under combat conditions in the course of duty, or be exposed to an attack by an improvised explosive device. They added that a combat condition occurs when an Airman on official duties comes under enemy attack by lethal weapons and is at risk of grave danger — either on the ground or in the air. A combat condition also occurs when a member is defending a base, comes under fire, engages the enemy with direct and lethal fire, and is at risk of grave danger.