USAF Awards available to Korean Military Members and Civilians
The U.S. Air Force Manual 36-2806, Awards and Memorialization Program, dated June 10, 2019, covers awards. Table 3.2 is a list of U.S. Military Decorations by their precedence, that are available to Foreign Military Members and Civilians:
- The Air Force Cross can be awarded for Valor to Foreign Military and Civilians,
- The Legion of Merit can be awarded for Service or Achievement to Foreign Military,
- The Distinguished Flying Cross can be awarded for Valor to Foreign Military,
- The Airman’s Medal can be awarded for Heroism to Foreign Military,
- The Bronze Star Medal can be awarded for Valor, Service, or Achievement to Foreign Military,
- The Meritorious Service Medal can be awarded for Service or Achievement to Foreign Military,
- The Air Medal can be awarded for Valor, Heroism, or Achievement to either Foreign Military or Civilians,
The 5th Air Force
The Fifth Air Force arrived at mainland Japan in September 1945 to participate in the Allied occupation of the country and provide the protective air component for the defense of the South Korea. During this time, Fifth Air Force played a major role in establishing the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF), which was activated in 1949.
The Korean War abruptly started on June 25, 1950, when the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK, or North Korea) unleashed a massive blitzkrieg on the South. The war lasted until July 1953, during which time Fifth Air Force served as the combat air force for United Nations Command (UNC). In December 1950, Fifth Air Force relocated its headquarters to South Korea and remained there to oversee combat operations.
During the conflict, the Fifth Air Force flew more than 625,000 missions and recorded 953 aerial victories against DPRK, Chinese, and Soviet aircraft. In addition, close air support missions accounted for more than 45 percent of enemy troop casualties. A total of 38 fighter pilots accomplished ace status, including Lt. Col. James Jabara, the first jet ace in history, and Capt. Joseph McConnell, the leading ace of the conflict, scoring 16 confirmed victories. Four Fifth Air Force Airmen earned the Medal of Honor in combat operations, all of them posthumously awarded.1
In 1954, following the Korean War armistice, the Fifth Air Force returned to Japan to continue its role of maintaining a strong tactical posture for the defense of Japan, Korea and the northwestern Pacific region. Quoted from the PACAF Information Website.