DAF Form 2243A: Airman’s Medal (Two Signature Lines) Download

DAF Form 2243A: Airman’s Medal (Two Signature Lines) Download – The Airman’s Medal (AmnM) is one of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force’s highest honors for heroism outside of actual combat. Service members who distinguish themselves through a heroic act—usually involving voluntary risk of life—may receive this prestigious decoration. The DAF Form 2243A, titled Airman’s Medal (Two Signature Lines), serves as the official certificate that accompanies the medal.

U.S. Air Force and Space Force personnel, along with members of friendly nations serving with the DAF, use this form to formally document and present the award. It features two signature lines, making it suitable for higher-level approvals or presentations requiring dual authentication.

What Is the Airman’s Medal?

Established by 10 U.S. Code 8750 on July 6, 1960, the Airman’s Medal replaced the Soldier’s Medal for Air Force personnel. It ranks as the highest non-combat heroism award for the Department of the Air Force (DAF), equivalent to the Army’s Soldier’s Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, and the Coast Guard Medal.

Criteria for Award:

  • The recipient must have distinguished themselves by a heroic act, usually at the voluntary risk of their own life.
  • The act must not involve actual combat with an armed enemy.
  • Saving a life or achieving complete success of the heroic act is not required.
  • Normal performance of duties does not qualify for this award.

The medal recognizes extraordinary courage in situations such as lifesaving efforts during natural disasters, rescues in hazardous conditions, or other voluntary risks that go well beyond the call of duty. Approval authority for the Airman’s Medal typically rests at high levels, often involving the Secretary of the Air Force (SECAF) or delegated senior commanders.

Purpose and Design of DAF Form 2243A

DAF Form 2243A is the standardized certificate used to present the Airman’s Medal. The “A” variant includes two signature lines, distinguishing it from earlier or single-signature versions (such as older AF Form 2243 variants). This format supports formal presentations where both an approving authority and a presenting official (or additional authenticator) sign the document.

The form serves as the official written record of the award. It typically includes:

  • Recipient’s full name, rank, and service details.
  • A citation describing the heroic act.
  • The date and location of the action.
  • Signatures from authorized officials.
  • Space for the medal’s formal presentation details.

Citations for the Airman’s Medal are prepared on plain bond paper (landscape orientation) or the appropriate DAF form, often using 12-point font with specific line limits depending on the format. Guidance for writing effective citations appears in DAFMAN 36-2806 and related Air Force writing resources.

The physical medal, designed by Thomas Hudson Jones of the Institute of Heraldry, features an eagle and other symbolic elements on the obverse, with “For Valor” inscribed on the reverse above a space for the recipient’s name within a laurel wreath.

Who Needs DAF Form 2243A?

  • Active-duty, Reserve, and Air National Guard members of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force recommended for the Airman’s Medal.
  • Units and commanders processing heroism awards through the official DAF awards and decorations program.
  • Personnel preparing retirement, separation, or display packages who want an official certificate alongside their medal.
  • Administrative staff responsible for decorations and awards under DAFMAN 36-2806, Military Awards: Criteria and Procedures, and DAFI 36-2803, Military Decorations and Awards Program.

High-level awards like the Airman’s Medal often require coordination with AFPC (Air Force Personnel Center) for processing, especially for display or special requests.

How to Download DAF Form 2243A?

The official DAF Form 2243A is available through the Department of the Air Force e-Publishing website.

Direct Download Links:

Always verify the latest version on the official e-Publishing.af.mil site, as forms and manuals are periodically updated. The primary governing document is DAFMAN 36-2806, which lists DAF Form 2243A explicitly.

Important Note: Forms should only be completed and signed through official military channels. Unauthorized use or reproduction for non-official purposes is not permitted.

Processing and Approval Overview

The DAF awards program follows a structured process outlined in DAFI 36-2803 and DAFMAN 36-2806:

  1. Recommendation — Submitted through the chain of command with a detailed citation.
  2. Review and Approval — Higher-level review is required for the Airman’s Medal due to its prestige.
  3. Presentation — The signed DAF Form 2243A accompanies the physical medal during the formal ceremony.

Recent DAF initiatives have streamlined the decorations process with updated software (such as myDecs Reimagined) to reduce administrative burden and automate certain quality checks.

For questions about submission or specific cases, units should contact their servicing Military Personnel Flight or AFPC/DPSTTC as directed in current guidance.

Why the Airman’s Medal Matters?

The Airman’s Medal embodies the core values of the U.S. Air Force and Space Force—Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do—by honoring those who voluntarily place themselves in harm’s way to help others, often in life-threatening non-combat situations.

Whether you’re a commander preparing a package, a service member nominated for the award, or a veteran seeking replacement documentation, understanding DAF Form 2243A ensures the recognition process honors the heroic actions appropriately.

Official Resources:

  • Air Force Personnel Center – Airman’s Medal Fact Sheet
  • DAFMAN 36-2806 (Military Awards)
  • DAFI 36-2803 (Military Decorations and Awards Program)
  • e-Publishing.af.mil for all current DAF forms

Download the form directly using the links provided above and consult your local awards and decorations specialist for assistance with any submission.

This article is for informational purposes only and reflects publicly available Department of the Air Force guidance as of 2026. Always refer to the most current official publications on e-publishing.af.mil for authoritative instructions.