US Air Miniature Medal

The US Air Miniature Medal is a reduced-scale version of the United States Air Medal, an official military decoration awarded for single acts of heroism or meritorious achievement in aerial flight. Instituted by Executive Order in 1942, the Air Medal is issued to members of the United States Armed Forces and select allied personnel. The miniature medal features a depiction of a bronze compass rose with an eagle in flight, accompanied by stylized radiating lines. It includes a ribbon with alternating bands of blue and orange, representing the Air Corps colors. Miniature medals, such as this example, are typically worn on formal mess dress or evening uniforms, in place of full-sized decorations. The size and mounting conform to established military regulations. The US Air Miniature Medal is of interest to collectors of military insignia and those studying the history of US military awards and decorations from World War II to the present.