This is a good award. Analogous medals exist in the three branches and are awarded most commonly for lifesaving actions outside of combat. Sure, we could make an argument that they were in combat. Delighted to hear it. The young airman will probably find more conversations created when people ask what that red one is, the one with the gold stripes on either side of the black and red circle.
True. The Airman’s Medal would appear to be the correct award providing the PH is not awarded. If the PH is awarded for their actions, then I would argue that the Bronze Star with V device would be more appropriate. The Natl Guard guy should be eligible too. Hopefully MPC will allow them them to wear the French award. This interests me as I ran two Awards and Decs Sections in SAC for about 5 years in the late 70’s and early 80’s.