Two new medals recognize units

Airman, July, 2004

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas--Secretary of the Air Force James Roche approved two new medals recognizing units for outstanding heroism in combat and for achievement or service in direct support of combat operations.

The Gallant Unit Citation and the Meritorious Unit Award can be awarded to Air Force active duty, Reserve and Guard units for actions or service while directly supporting combat operations.

The Gallant Unit Citation is awarded to units for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy of the United States. The action must be while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force on or after Sept. 11, 2001.

This ribbon is worn immediately before the Joint Meritorious Unit Award. Subsequent awards will be denoted by oak leaf clusters.

Meritorious Unit Awards are presented to units for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding achievement or service directly supporting combat operations for at least 90 continuous days. The military operations must be against an armed enemy of the United States on or after Sept. 11, 2001.

This ribbon is worn immediately before the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. Subsequent awards will be denoted by oak leaf clusters.

Both medals are currently in the design phase, which may take several months before they are ready for wear.