Criteria: Awarded to Airmen having directly participated in active combat, either in the air or on the ground, as part of their official duty. Airmen serving as a crew member on a C130 providing key support to Coalition forces or Airmen servicing as a convoy escort operation that takes fire, for instance, may be eligible to apply for the award. Personnel can apply for a retroactive award dating to Sept. 11, 2001. The award is worn directly after the Air Force Achievement Medal and before the Air Force Presidential Unit Citation.