Instituted: 1918

Description: An oval medal with laurel border, (Obverse) coinage profile of George VI, left, text around GEORGIVS VI D G BR OMN REX F D IND IMP. (Reverse) Hermes mounted on a hawk bestowing a laurel wreath, in the centre left field the date 1918. The medal is suspended by a pair of wings from a straight bar.

Ribbon: Diagonal alternate stripes of white and crimson.

Comments: This medal was awarded to Noncommissioned Officers and men of the RAF for courage and devotion to duty while flying, but not on active operations against the enemy. About 100 medals were awarded during World War I, 106 medals between the wars and 259 during World War II. This medal was replaced by the AFC after 1993.