Air Force Cross (United Kingdom)

Air Force Cross
Obverse of medal Ribbon: 30mm, diagonal alternate stripes of white and red
Awarded by United Kingdom and Commonwealth
Type	Military decoration
Eligibility	British, Commonwealth (formerly) and allied forces
Awarded for	"... gallantry while flying but not on active operations against the enemy."
Status	Currently awarded
Description	see below
Statistics
Established	3 June 1918
Total awarded	George V: 804 George VI: 3,053 Total: 3,857
Order of Wear
Next (higher)	Distinguished Flying Cross
Next (lower)	Royal Red Cross, Second Class
Related	Air Force Medal

The Air Force Cross (AFC) is a military decoration awarded to personnel of the United Kingdom Armed Forces, and formerly also to officers of the other Commonwealth countries, for "an act or acts of 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 second AFC.

The award was established on 3 June 1918. It was originally awarded to Air Force commissioned officers and Warrant Officers, but this was expanded after the Second World War to include Army and Navy aviation officers, and again in 1993 to other ranks, after the discontinuation of the Air Force Medal.

During the First World War, approximately 680 were awarded. During the Second World War, 2,001 decorations were awarded, with 26 bars awarded.

58 honorary awards were made to aircrew from other non-Commonwealth countries.

Recipients of the Air Force Cross are entitled to use the post-nominal letters "AFC". A bar is added to the ribbon of holders of the AFC for each additional award.