CSAF announces medal for Libya campaign

Published Dec. 20, 2012
By Master Sgt. Kevin Wallace
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- The Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, extended the Air and Space Campaign Medal to members who served in both Operations Odyssey Dawn and Unified Protector.

The Air and Space Campaign Medal was authorized by the Secretary of the Air Force on April 24, 2002, and may be awarded to Airmen who, after March 24, 1999, participated in or directly supported a significant U.S. military operation designated by the CSAF, according to the Air Force Personnel Center website.

Gunfighters who provided direct support for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days, in either of the operations, are eligible to receive the medal. To be considered having supported the operations directly, Airmen must have either deployed in support of the operation or preformed mission critical actions from their home base.

According to the 366th Force Support Squadron Military Personnel Section, potential recipients must provide a copy of their contingency, exercise or deployment orders, or provide MPS documentation support, including: enlisted or officer performance reports, a decoration or award citation, letter of appreciation, certificate of appreciation, and all must show days in support of an eligible operation.

In absence of documentation, members justify their entitlement to their current squadron commander. If convinced, the squadron commander provides a memorandum to the MPS attesting to the member's entitlement showing the operation and cumulative number of days.

According to AFPC, other military operations that qualify for the ASCM are:

Allied Force, 24 March 1999 - 10 June 1999
Joint Guardian, 11 June 1999 - Date to be Determined (DTBD)
Allied Harbour, 4 April 1999 - 1 September 1999
Sustain Hope/Shining Hope, 4 April 1999 - 10 July 1999
Noble Anvil, 24 March 1999 - 20 July 1999
Kosovo Task Force Hawk, 5 April 1999 - 24 June 1999
Kosvo Task Force Saber, 31 March 1999 - 8 July 1999
Kosovo Task Force Falcon, 11 June 1999 - DTBD
Kosovo Task Force Hunter, 1 April 1999 - 1 November 1999
Currently, operations related to the Global War on Terrorism (to include Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom) are not eligible for the ASCM.

Authorized device: Service star

For more information regarding the ASCM, contact the MPS force management section at DSN 728-2133.