45th Space Wing Decorations Guide

Current As Of 1 Jan 2000

Introduction

	The 45th Mission Support Squadron, Military Personnel Flight, Awards and Decorations Element developed this guide as a training tool for use with AFI 36-2803, Air Force Awards and Decorations Program.  It is not intended to stand alone.  Its primary purpose is to simplify the decoration process for both experienced and inexperienced personnel.  
Our mailing address is:
			45 MSS/DPMPE
			620 O’Malley Road MS 9123
			Patrick AFB FL 32925-3337
Phone numbers are:
			DSN 854-7713/6106
			Local (407) 494-7713/6106
			Fax: 494-2904

The Flow of Decorations

MSMs 					AFCMSs				AFAMs
(PCS, PCA, Ext Tour,			(PCS, PCA, Ext Tour,			(PCS, PCA, Ext Tour,
Sep, Ret)				Sep, Ret, Out Ach)			Sep, Out Ach)

Recommendation

Recommendation

Recommendation

Commander’s
Presentation

DPMPE
Coordination

Commander’s
Presentation

DPMPE
Coordination

Commander’s
Presentation

SW/CC
Approval

SW/CC
Approval

DPMPE
Coordination

DPMPE
Coordination

DPMPE
Coordination
Distribution

GP/CC
Approval

GP/CC
Recommendation

GP/CC
Recommendation

SQ/CC
Recommendation

SQ/CC
Recommendation

SQ/CC
Recommendation

Commander’s
Support Staff

1st Sgt
Coordination

1st Sgt
Coordination

Commander’s
Support Staff

Commander’s
Support Staff

1st Sgt
Coordination

Functional Responsibilities

Commanders
	- Maintain the integrity of the military decorations program
	- Appropriately recognize personnel within their organizations
	- Submit award packages in an accurate and timely manner

Supervisors
	- Prepare recommendations as early as 180 days prior to an individual’s scheduled 
	  retirement, separation, or PCS date
	- Review decoration packages for quality and completeness prior to sending then to the 
	  Unit Award Monitor

Unit Award Monitors
	- Act as focal point for all unit decorations
	-Suspense unit supervisors for decoration submissions to allow ample processing time
	- Ensure quality and completeness of decoration packages before forwarding then to the 
	  Awards and Decorations Element, 45 MSS/DPMPE

Awards and Decorations Element (45 MSS/DPMPE)
	- Develops instructions and distributes guidelines for the awards and decorations 
	  program
	- Monitors suspense control system for DECOR6s
	- Updates the decorations or related devices in the Personnel Data System and distributes
	  elements upon receipt

Submitting Recommendations

1) Do not submit recommendations in a token effort to “do something for your people”

2) Restrict recommendations to recognizing meritorious service, outstanding achievement, or    
	acts of heroism that clearly place the individual above his or her peers

3) No individual is automatically entitled to an award upon departure for an assignment

4) Do not establish preconditions for awards

5) Do not use military decorations for incentives or as prizes in contests

6) Award only one decoration for the same act, achievement, or period of service

7) Do not award or present a decoration to any person if the entire period of service covered by 
	the decoration was not honorable

8) Performance of duty and level of responsibility should be the determining factor when 
considering an individual for a decoration, not the grade of the individual

The DECOR6

1) The computer-generated DECOR6 must be used unless there is no possible way to obtain one 
	(i.e. the member is separated, retired, or deceased, and no longer in the personnel database).

2) If the individual has PCS’d and is no longer in the local personnel database, then the DECOR6 
	must be requested form the current duty location.

3) Information on the DECOR6 can be typed or written neatly, and all information must be 
	current as of the close-out date.

4) The squadron commander and supervisor must sign the DECOR6 for all submissions.

5) If an error is located on the DECOR6, or the decoration was downgraded, line-through or 
	white-out the incorrect data, and type or write the correct data.

Directions for Completing the DECOR6

ITEM 1:  I RECOMMEND AWARD OF: Leave Blank

	A) Decoration:  Add one of the following:  MERTORIOUS SEVICE MEDAL, or MSN, AIR 
FORCE COMMENDATION MEDAL or AFCM, or AIR FORCE ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL or AFAM

	B) Cluster:  Check the DECOR6, page 2, Item 6, Decoration History, for previous
decorations.  If the decoration you are recommending has never been awarded, type “BASIC” or leave blank.  If the RIP says “02” it means this individual received the basic plus FIRST oak leaf cluster and your now nominating him/her for the SECOND oak leaf cluster.  Easy determination: “02” automatically means you are preparing 2nd OLC.

	C) Inclusive Dates:  The opening date, at the minimum, must be:
		1) The same as the Date-Arrived-Station (DAS)
		2) The day after close-out date of any previously awarded decoration for PCS, PCA, or 
		Extended Tour, when that close-out date is AFTER the DAS
		3) The beginning date of an achievement period
			
			The close-out date is determined by the following:

			a) If the decoration is for PCS, then the close-out date will normally be the 
			individual’s departure date.

		b) If the decoration is for retirement, the close-out date MUST be the day prior to 
			the member’s retirement date.

		c) If the decoration is for separation, then the close-out date should be the actual
			separation date.

		d) If the decoration is for extended tour, ensure that member has a minimum of
			3 years time-on-station from the opening date to the close-out date.  Check
			carefully to be sure there is no overlap with a prior decoration.

	D) HEROISM, OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT, MERTOIOUS SERVICE: (Circle one)

	E) RET, SEP, PCS, PCA, EXT TOUR, POSTHUMOUS, ACH, HEROISM (Circle one)
	
	F) If approved presentation date desired:  Add a realistic date or “N/A.”  Actual DATE is
		required for retirement/separation.

	G) If approved, forward elements to:  If not preprinted, type or neatly print the complete 
		organizational address of the gaining unit or servicing Military Personnel Flight

	H) Next duty assignment of future address (ret or sep):  If this is a retirement or separation 
		decoration, add (or include) the future mailing/home address.

ITEM 2: Parts A, B, and C of this section are preprinted with information contained in the 
			personnel data system.  If any of this information is incorrect, type or write in the
			correct information the provide the correct data.

ITEM 3: If posthumous or individual is missing in action or prisoner or war, give name, relation 
			and address of next of kin:  Self-explanatory.  If not applicable, ensure “N/A” is typed.

ITEM 4: Are others being recommended for the same act/service?  Self-explanatory

ITEM 5-7: Review to ensure correct rank, start and close-out dates, oak leaf clusters, etc.

 ITEM 8: Strike though item 8 if recommending member for decoration.  If you are not 
			recommending a member, make sure this information is updated in PC-III by 
			commander support staff.

The Meritorious Service Medal (MSM)

For outstanding non-combat meritorious achievement or service to the United States

Awarded for:  Meritorious Service
	Outstanding Achievement
	Extended Tour
	Permanent Change of Assignment (PCA)
	Permanent Change of Station (PCS)
	Retirement
	Separation

Opening/Closing Sentences: (Ref AFI 36-2803, The Air Force Awards and Decorations 
		Program, Atch 4)

Opening Sentences: Master Sergeant Joe B. Smith distinguished himself in the performance of 
	         outstanding service to the United States as (duty assignment) or (while
	         assigned to the [office]).

						Or

	   	Master Sergeant Joe B. Smith distinguished himself by outstanding 
		achievement (as) or (while assigned to), (on) or (from ______to______).

Middle Sentences: Avoid repetition.  Give a couple of hard-hitting illustrations of what he/she 
	      did.

Closing Sentences: The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Smith reflect great 
		credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Retirement Award: “..accomplishments of Sergeant Smith culminate a distinguished career in the 
		service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United 
		states Air Force.”

		For 30 or more years: ..culminate a long and distinguished career…

Separation Award: “..accomplishments of Sergeant Smith while serving his country reflect great 
		credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.”

Click here to view a sample of the AF Form 2228 - MSM Certificate.  This will be current as of 1 Jan 2000.  Attachment6.pdf

The Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM)

For outstanding achievement or meritorious service

Awarded for:  Acts of Heroism
	Acts of Courage
	Meritorious Service
	Outstanding Achievement
	PCS
	PCA
	Retirement
	Separations
	Extended Tour

Opening/Closing Sentences: (Ref AFI 36-2803, The Air Force Awards and Decorations 
			Program, Atch 4)

Opening Sentence: Staff Sergeant Joe B. Smith distinguished himself by meritorious service
		(outstanding achievement) (an act of courage) as (duty assignment and 
		office) or (while assigned to [office]).

							Or

		Staff Sergeant Joe B. Smith distinguished himself by outstanding 
		achievement (an act of courage) (at or near) on (date).

Middle Sentences: Avoid repetition.  Give hard-hitting illustrations of what he/she did.

Closing Sentences: The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Smith reflect credit upon
		himself and the United States Air Force.

Retirement Award: “..accomplishments of Sergeant Smith culminate a distinguished career in the 
		service of his country and reflect credit upon himself and the United 
		States Air Force.”

Separation Award: “..accomplishments of Sergeant Smith while serving his country reflect 		         credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.”

Act of Courage: 	By his prompt action and humanitarian regard for his fellowman, Sergeant 
		Smith has reflected credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Click here to view a sample of the AF Form 2224 - AFCM Certificate. This will be current as of 1 Jan 2000.  Attachment5.pdf

The Air Force Achievement Medal (AFAM)

Awarded for: Outstanding Achievement
			Meritorious Service
	PCS
	PCA
	Extended Tour
	Separation

Opening/Closing Sentences: (Ref AFI 36-2803, The Air Force Awards Decorations Program,
			           Atch 4)

Opening Sentence: First Lieutenant Joe B. Smith distinguished himself by meritorious service
		(outstanding achievement), as (duty assignment, and office location) or while 
		assigned to (office location).

							Or
	
		First Lieutenant Joe B. Smith distinguished himself by outstanding 
		achievement (at or near).

Closing Sentence: Confine the closing to one sentence, which will personalize the summation.

* Awarded for outstanding achievement or meritorious service or acts of courage that do not meet the requirements of an AFCM.  Do not award more than one AFAM during a 1-year period except under extraordinary circumstances.  Do not award for aerial achievement or retirement.  (Table 2.1, Note 20)

Click here to view a sample of AF Form 2274 - AFAM Certificate.  Attachment4.pdf

Most Common Errors

The following are a few of the most common mistakes found in citations.  The corresponding attachment in AFI 36-2803, (The Air Force Awards and Decorations Program), is provided for quick reference.

Incorrect opening and closing sentences: (Ref AFI 36-2803, Atch 4)

Abbreviations: No abbreviations allowed in the citation.  Acronyms must be spelled out.  (Ref AFI 36-2803, Atch 4)

DECOR6 has wrong opening and closing dates, wrong medal, wrong OLCs: The DECOR6 and the citation must match in all situations.  If a decoration is returned because of downgrade, you should correct DÉCOR6, and accomplish a new citation and certificate.

Incorrect pitch on citations: You can only use 10 or 12 pitch on decoration citations (Ref AFI 36-2803, Atch 4)

Inclusive dates overlap a previous award: Dates can not overlap unless the precise decoration is for outstanding achievement.  You can not have two achievement medals for the same inclusive period unless they are for two different achievements (Table 2.1, Note 20)

Missing copies of Achievement Medals: If there is an award that overlaps inclusive dates and it is for outstanding achievement, a copy must be included in the decoration package.

Wrong number of copies for citation: Submit one original without the SSAN.

Putting It All Together

Each decoration package must be processed in a yellow decorations folder.  Use the following directions to put each decoration package together:

MSM - (PCS, PCA, EXT TOUR, OUT ACH, RET, SEP)

Package Includes:

A) Left side: Original DECOR6, copies of EPRs/OPRs covering the period of award, citations 
     (original without SSAN, and six (6) with SSAN).  Certificate with everything filled in but the 
     date.
B) Right side: One package.  Each package consisting of : DECOR6, EPRs/OPRs (stapled 
     together)

C) Coordination sheet stapled to the front cover.  Ensure all dates and signatures are obtained 
     prior to forwarding to next level of coordination.

AFCM - (PCS, PCA, EXT TOUR, OUT ACH, RET, SEP)

Package includes:

A) Left side: Original DECOR6, copies of EPRs/OPRs, citations (one without SSAN and six (6) 
     with SSAN), certificate with everything filled in except date

B) Right side: One package.  Each package consisting of: DECOR6, EPRs/OPRs (stapled 
     together)

C) Three-line forwarding address label attached (use paper clip or staple) to inside flap/pocket

D) Coordination sheet stapled to front cover.  Ensure all dates and signatures are obtained prior 
     to forwarding to next level of coordination.

AFAM - (PCS, PCA, EXT TOUR, SEP, OUT ACH)

Package includes:

A) Right side: Achievement Medal certificate (with everything filled in except the date)

B) Left side: Original DECOR6, (everything filled in except order number and date.)  Groups 
     will authenticate and publish AFAM orders.

C) Three line forwarding address label attached to inside flap

D) Coordination sheet stapled to front cover.  Ensure all dates and signatures are obtained prior 
     to next level of coordination.

Criteria for Legion of Merit

LOM - (PCS, RET)

PCS - LOM is approved at SAF with coordination thru 14th AF and AFSPC
RET- LOM is approved at AFSPC with coordination thru 14th AF

- A minimum of 24 months time-in grade as a colonel or above

- A minimum of 24 months service in an extremely responsible position, e.g. wing commander 
  or vice commander, operations, logisitcs, medical or support group commander or equivalent 
  postions such as a MAJCOM Director or Air Staff Division Chief

- For those more senior colonels who have performed exceptionally well in highly-responsible 
  command/staff jobs at MAJCOM, FOA, DRU and Air Staff levels, the award of the LOM may 
  be appropriate

-	Very rarely would recently promoted colonels or those of lesser grade occupy positions which
   meet the implied criteria

	-- The recommendation for award of the LOM should be made and considered on 
	 its own merit without regard to the promotion status of the individual being 
	 considered

  --	Promotion is a recognition of future potential, whereas a decoration is recognition of past
		performance

- Colonels should normally receive no more than two LOMs per career

   -- The exception may be a third LOM upon retirement for very senior colonels

- The LOM is rarely approved for Permanent Change of Assignment (PCA) without Permanent 
   Change of Station (PCS)

- Upon retirement, after a long and distinguished career, liberal interpretation of award criteria 
  may be exercised for officers serving in the grade of colonel and above, provided the most 
  recent performance warrants such consideration

- AFSPC/CV has approved the following procedures for LOM submissions for this command:

	-- Nominations from the field will be indorsed by the appropriate NAF commander to the 
	AFSPC/DP for processing to DS/CV.  The NAF vice commander will suffice if the 
    commander is unavailable

	-- For wing commanders and general officers, AFSPC/DPO will coordinate with the 
	NAF/CCs, if applicable, on the appropriate level of decoration submission and 
	approval for processing from AFSPC/CV

	-- Whenever possible, all decorations should be submitted far enough in advance of the 
	officer's departure to allow for presentation at his/her losing unit

Things to Remember

1) Ensure the DECOR6 is accurate and complete

2) Ensure the certificate and citation are prepared with identical information:
	A) Name
	B) Rank
	C) Type of Medal
	D) Oak Leaf Cluster
	E) Inclusive Dates

3) Ensure each decoration has correct opening and closing sentences.  (Ref AFI 36-2803, The 
    Air Force Awards and Decorations Program, Atch 4)

4) Ensure the correct amount of copies are enclosed in the package

5) Ensure that each decoration package has been routed correctly and all appropriate dates and 
     signatures are on the coordination sheet.

6) If the recommendation includes accomplishments not contained in EPRs/OPRs (or the 
    information is not sufficient), use a separate sheet of bond paper for additional justification.  
    Limit justification to 13 lines.  (You may use bullet format, however, the information 
    contained in the justification can not exceed 13 lines.)

7) The squadron commander and supervisor must sign the DECOR6 for all submissions

8) If an error is located anywhere on the DECOR6, or the decoration was downgraded, please 
    line through or whiteout the incorrect data and type or write in the correct data